1 composure | Definition of composure

composure

noun
com·​po·​sure | \ kəm-ˈpō-zhər How to pronounce composure (audio) \

Definition 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.

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Choose the Right Synonym for composure

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

Sale and the Sox lost their composure, then put too much blame on the umpire. Dan Shaughnessy, BostonGlobe.com, "Collapsing Red Sox more about MIA stars than missed calls," 3 Aug. 2019 The players who lost their composure in a 7-2 loss in Game 3 were disciplined, purposeful. Helene Elliott, latimes.com, "Stanley Cup: Blues even series with victory over Bruins," 3 June 2019 Sergio Aguero and co had a total of 30 shots on goal and amassed 13 corners, yet there was a distinct lack of composure once the Lillywhites had been opened up. SI.com, "Bournemouth vs Man City Preview: Where to Watch, Buy Tickets, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News," 22 Aug. 2019 Graziolli, who appeared shocked at being hit, tried to regain his composure as Yatsko continued to land punches. Adam Ferrise, cleveland.com, "How a bad joke at a bowling alley devolved into a deadly police-involved shooting in Cleveland’s University Circle," 9 Aug. 2019 Youngblood, who wore a t-shirt with a picture of her son, wailed uncontrollably and had to go into her home to regain her composure at the end of the vigil. Howard Koplowitz | Hkoplowitz@al.com, al, "'He had the potential to go far’: Family, friends remember teen shot and killed in Brighton," 2 Aug. 2019 Pitching coach Brent Strom strolled for a visit, urging Valdez to show some sort of composure. Chandler Rome, Houston Chronicle, "Framber Valdez fumbles in Astros' loss to Angels," 16 July 2019 Brown had none of Parker's composure in her response. Elena Nicolaou, refinery29.com, "Luke Parker Is The New Chad Johnson — But Even Worse," 20 June 2019 The ball-playing centre half has impressed management with his composure on the ball and his ability to pick out a pass, as well as his tactical intelligence on the field of play. SI.com, "AC Milan: 6 of the Best Youngsters Who Deserve a Shot at the First Team in 2019/20," 24 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'composure.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of composure

1647, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for composure

see compose

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More Definitions for composure

composure

noun

English Language Learners Definition of composure

: calmness especially of mind, manner, or appearance

composure

noun
com·​po·​sure | \ kəm-ˈpō-zhər How to pronounce composure (audio) \

Kids Definition of composure

: calmness especially of mind, manner, or appearance Throughout the crisis he managed to maintain his composure.

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