composure

noun

com·​po·​sure kəm-ˈpō-zhər How to pronounce composure (audio)
Synonyms of composure
: 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 of composure

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equanimity, composure, sangfroid mean evenness of mind under stress.

equanimity suggests a habit of mind that is only rarely disturbed under great strain.

accepted her troubles with equanimity

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

sangfroid implies great coolness and steadiness under strain.

handled the situation with professional sangfroid

Examples of composure in a Sentence

After the initial shock she regained her composure. kept his composure in spite of the repeated provocations
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The closers who deliberately grow their skills, their composure and their standards watch their results grow with them. — Ramon Cadiz, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Chef—the character is nameless, and seemingly unknowable—is a mentor and a foil to Tony, his lined face and graying beard highlighting Tony’s youth, his composure framing Tony’s jittery ambition. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026 Morgan got out of the way and regain composure just for a moment. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Getting there meant stripping Tom’s composure away entirely, an approach Wilson suspects comes from his years working in the horror genre. — Jp Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for composure

Word History

Etymology

see compose

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of composure was in 1647

Phrases Containing composure

Rhymes for composure

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Browse Nearby Words

compost heap
composure
compotation
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Cite this Entry

“Composure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/composure. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

composure

noun
com·​po·​sure kəm-ˈpō-zhər How to pronounce composure (audio)
: calmness especially of mind, manner, or appearance
she kept her composure

More from Merriam-Webster on composure

Nglish: Translation of composure for Spanish Speakers

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