Synonyms of self-possession

self-possession

noun

ˌself-pə-ˈze-shən 

1

as in composure

evenness of emotions or temper

that neurosurgeon's self-possession in the operating room is legendary

Synonyms & Similar Words

• composure
• calmness
• tranquillity
• equanimity
• collectedness
• sangfroid
• imperturbability
• coolness
• serenity
• equilibrium
• aplomb
• countenance
• placidity
• confidence
• tranquility
• self-assurance
• assurance
• repose
• poise
• self-confidence
• tranquilness
• composedness
• cool
• self-composedness
• self-assuredness
• self-trust
• impassivity
• indifference
• unconcern
• detachment
• numbness
• insensibility
• phlegm
• apathy
• easygoingness
• laid-backness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agitation
• perturbation
• anxiety
• concern
• apprehension
• uneasiness
• discomposure
• solicitude
• care
• disquiet
• alarm
• worry
• anxiousness
• nervousness
• excitability
• apprehensiveness
• disturbance
• alarum
• excitableness

2

as in restraint

the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions

the little girl's self-possession very occasionally gave way to crying fits

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restraint
• composure
• temperance
• nerve
• determination
• self-control
• willpower
• self-command
• self-discipline
• self-mastery
• will
• confidence
• self-containment
• self-government
• self-restraint
• temperateness
• continence
• discipline
• assurance
• moderation
• abnegation
• mastery
• self-abnegation
• equanimity
• poise
• soberness
• self-confidence
• forbearance
• sobriety
• self-denial
• control
• coolness
• moderateness
• avoidance
• aplomb
• abstention
• abstinence
• eschewal
• command
• discretion

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gratification
• indulgence
• intemperance
• feebleness
• excessiveness
• weakness
• overindulgence
• failing
• self-indulgence
• vice
• frailty
• fault
• shortcoming
• demerit
• foible
• unrestraint
• intemperateness
• indiscipline
• immoderacy
• unreserve
• unconstraint
• unreservedness

Synonym Chooser

How is the word self-possession distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of self-possession are aplomb, assurance, and confidence. While all these words mean "a state of mind or a manner marked by easy coolness and freedom from uncertainty, diffidence, or embarrassment," self-possession implies an ease or coolness under stress that reflects perfect self-control and command of one's powers.

answered the insolent question with complete self-possession

When might aplomb be a better fit than self-possession?

In some situations, the words aplomb and self-possession are roughly equivalent. However, aplomb implies a manifest self-possession in trying or challenging situations.

handled the reporters with great aplomb

When could assurance be used to replace self-possession?

The meanings of assurance and self-possession largely overlap; however, assurance carries a stronger implication of certainty and may suggest arrogance or lack of objectivity in assessing one's own powers.

handled the cross-examination with complete assurance

When can confidence be used instead of self-possession?

Although the words confidence and self-possession have much in common, confidence stresses faith in oneself and one's powers without any suggestion of conceit or arrogance.

the confidence that comes from long experience

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of self-possession

This interrupts automatic defensiveness and signals self-possession. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025

The character’s defiant self-possession would unnerve even a more contemporary patriarchy, and challenge family dynamics in any era. —Jessica Kiang, Variety, 14 Aug. 2025

This convincing image of masculine self-possession is misleading: A label mentions that René, who never established a career and fell into debt, died for reasons unknown shortly after the work was completed. —James Meyer, Artforum, 1 May 2025

With a powerful high that wears off in less than an hour, some addicts are compelled to use upwards of 20 to 30 times a day, leaving fleeting windows of self-possession. —Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2025

Williams nails the paradox at the center of the show: As Molly’s body grows weaker, her self-possession grows stronger. —Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025

The next step in our self-possession culture is not just dropping ourselves into the story but painting it in the hues of the great artists who came before. —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2025

Her self-possession is at points a touch disconcerting; breaking eye contact is not her style. —Funmi Fetto, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025