self-possession
noun
Synonyms
- aplomb
- calmness
- collectedness
- composedness
- composure
- cool
- coolness
- countenance
- equanimity
- equilibrium
- imperturbability
- placidity
- repose
- sangfroid
- self-composedness
- serenity
- tranquillity
- tranquility
- tranquilness
Word History
1665, in the meaning defined above
self-possession
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- composure
- calmness
- collectedness
- equanimity
- sangfroid
- imperturbability
- serenity
- coolness
- aplomb
- equilibrium
- placidity
- countenance
- confidence
- tranquillity
- tranquility
- poise
- repose
- assurance
- cool
- self-assurance
- tranquilness
- composedness
- self-assuredness
- impassivity
- self-confidence
- self-composedness
- self-trust
- indifference
- unconcern
- detachment
- insensibility
- numbness
- easygoingness
- apathy
- phlegm
- laid-backness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- agitation
- perturbation
- discomposure
- apprehension
- anxiety
- solicitude
- uneasiness
- concern
- care
- disquiet
- alarm
- anxiousness
- nervousness
- worry
- apprehensiveness
- excitability
- disturbance
- alarum
- excitableness
Synonyms & Similar Words
- restraint
- composure
- temperance
- willpower
- self-command
- determination
- nerve
- temperateness
- self-mastery
- self-containment
- will
- self-discipline
- confidence
- self-control
- self-restraint
- continence
- discipline
- assurance
- self-government
- abnegation
- moderateness
- moderation
- soberness
- equanimity
- self-abnegation
- poise
- mastery
- sobriety
- eschewal
- coolness
- forbearance
- aplomb
- avoidance
- self-denial
- abstention
- control
- abstinence
- self-confidence
- discretion
- command
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- gratification
- indulgence
- intemperance
- feebleness
- intemperateness
- excessiveness
- overindulgence
- weakness
- frailty
- failing
- unrestraint
- self-indulgence
- unreserve
- foible
- vice
- shortcoming
- demerit
- fault
- unconstraint
- immoderacy
- indiscipline
- unreservedness
Synonym Chooser
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.
In some situations, the words aplomb and self-possession are roughly equivalent. However, aplomb implies a manifest self-possession in trying or challenging situations.
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.
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.