composure
noun
com·po·sure kəm-ˈpō-zhər 
: a calmness or repose especially of mind, bearing, or appearance : self-possession
The witness started to break down, then paused and regained her composure.
Synonyms
- aplomb
- calmness
- collectedness
- composedness
- cool
- coolness
- countenance
- equanimity
- equilibrium
- imperturbability
- placidity
- repose
- sangfroid
- self-composedness
- self-possession
- serenity
- tranquillity
- tranquility
- tranquilness
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
After the initial shock she regained her composure. kept his composure in spite of the repeated provocations
Recent Examples on the Web The Knights showed composure without Phipps in the late stages, but Lopez was sweating it out. —
Richard Obert, The Arizona Republic, 25 Jan. 2023 The composure under pressure, which included several cases where Prescott scrambled out of trouble to either throw on the run or rush for big plays, added substance to the numbers. —Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2023 Kelly shows the composure of a champion on every play. —al, 13 Jan. 2023 Her portrayal of the composure and determination of a top police officer and the fragility of a mother who had her young son murdered, was hair-raising. —Sweta Kaushal, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2022 To have the mental composure to withstand a furious, late rallying attempt, and to engage in a score-fest against as skilled a team as the Lightning, is huge. —Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press, 22 Dec. 2022 The only time composure appeared to waver in the second half: two minutes into the third quarter, when Doncic hollered at Dwight Powell for a lapse on defense, and officials whistled him for a technical foul. —Dallas News, 12 Dec. 2022 The movement was most arresting for the ensemble’s energy, which lent sufficient drama to the many musical gasps Beethoven inserts to regain the scherzo’s composure. —Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 11 Dec. 2022 Whereas Stewart’s humor ran hot and righteous, Noah always maintained a cool composure. —Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 9 Dec. 2022 See More
Richard Obert, The Arizona Republic, 25 Jan. 2023 The composure under pressure, which included several cases where Prescott scrambled out of trouble to either throw on the run or rush for big plays, added substance to the numbers. —Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2023 Kelly shows the composure of a champion on every play. —al, 13 Jan. 2023 Her portrayal of the composure and determination of a top police officer and the fragility of a mother who had her young son murdered, was hair-raising. —Sweta Kaushal, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2022 To have the mental composure to withstand a furious, late rallying attempt, and to engage in a score-fest against as skilled a team as the Lightning, is huge. —Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press, 22 Dec. 2022 The only time composure appeared to waver in the second half: two minutes into the third quarter, when Doncic hollered at Dwight Powell for a lapse on defense, and officials whistled him for a technical foul. —Dallas News, 12 Dec. 2022 The movement was most arresting for the ensemble’s energy, which lent sufficient drama to the many musical gasps Beethoven inserts to regain the scherzo’s composure. —Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 11 Dec. 2022 Whereas Stewart’s humor ran hot and righteous, Noah always maintained a cool composure. —Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 9 Dec. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
see compose
First Known Use
1647, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing composure
Kids Definition
composure
noun com·po·sure kəm-ˈpō-zhər
: calmness especially of mind, manner, or appearance
she kept her composure
composure
noun
as in calmness
evenness of emotions or temper kept his composure in spite of the repeated provocations Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- calmness
- serenity
- coolness
- equanimity
- equilibrium
- collectedness
- sangfroid
- assurance
- confidence
- imperturbability
- cool
- aplomb
- tranquility
- tranquillity
- poise
- placidity
- self-possession
- countenance
- composedness
- tranquilness
- detachment
- repose
- self-composedness
- self-assurance
- impassivity
- self-confidence
- self-assuredness
- indifference
- numbness
- self-trust
- easygoingness
- unconcern
- phlegm
- apathy
- insensibility
- laid-backness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- agitation
- perturbation
- discomposure
- anxiety
- care
- apprehension
- concern
- uneasiness
- nervousness
- anxiousness
- solicitude
- disquiet
- alarm
- worry
- excitability
- apprehensiveness
- disturbance
- alarum
- excitableness
Synonym Chooser
The words equanimity and sangfroid are common synonyms of composure. While all three words mean "evenness of mind under stress," composure implies the controlling of emotional or mental agitation by an effort of will or as a matter of habit.
maintaining his composure even under hostile questioning
Although the words equanimity and composure have much in common, equanimity suggests a habit of mind that is only rarely disturbed under great strain.
accepted her troubles with equanimity
While in some cases nearly identical to composure, sangfroid implies great coolness and steadiness under strain.
handled the situation with professional sangfroid