Synonym Chooser

How does the noun composure contrast with its synonyms?

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

When is equanimity a more appropriate choice than composure?

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

Where would sangfroid be a reasonable alternative to composure?

While in some cases nearly identical to composure, sangfroid implies great coolness and steadiness under strain.

handled the situation with professional sangfroid

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of composure In a transfixing performance that balances colorful affectation with raw hunger, the actor makes Lee a magnetic raconteur whose shield of worldly composure falls away as Eugene (Drew Starkey) eludes his grasp, leaving him a virtual ghost by the end of the film. Kimberly Nordyke, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025 Maintaining composure under stress can prevent emotional contagion, where negative emotions spread throughout the group. Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 Natalia recovers her composure, but worries about her parents. Danielle Bacher, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025 That composure led to him landing a knee in the third round after a scramble to get off the mat and setting up the ground strikes that finished the fight at the 3:43 mark of Round 3. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for composure 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composure
Noun
  • Nature and the mountains provide us a sense of serenity, a sense of spirituality.
    John Meyer, The Denver Post, 2 Feb. 2025
  • The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River blends riverside serenity with cosmopolitan buzz and achieves the holy grail of marrying grandeur and scale with intimate spaces.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Often, our everyday stressors feel never-ending, and the return to equilibrium becomes less than breezy.
    Marie Bladt, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025
  • With Biden, the vice presidency seemed to return to a more appropriate equilibrium after Cheney’s extraordinary tenure.
    Roy Brownell, Baltimore Sun, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Staffers, though, want full assurance that Pappas will not be shuttered and that their patients will not be displaced.
    Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2025
  • While the bank continues to adopt a measured growth strategy, these improvements provide assurance to stakeholders regarding its future prospects.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The equanimity skills group also had lower blood pressure and hormonal stress levels.
    J. David Creswell, Scientific American, 10 Nov. 2023
  • Effective stakeholder management thrives on the interplay of equanimity and equity.
    Dr. Grace Lee, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near composure

Cite this Entry

“Composure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composure. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on composure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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