composed

adjective

com·​posed kəm-ˈpōzd 

: free from agitation : calm

especially : self-possessed

They tried to remain composed throughout the ordeal.

composedly

kəm-ˈpō-zəd-lē 

adverb

composedness

kəm-ˈpō-zəd-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of composed

• collected
• calm
• serene
• peaceful
• possessed

Choose the Right Synonym for composed

cool, composed, collected, unruffled, imperturbable, nonchalant mean free from agitation or excitement.

cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.

kept a cool head

composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.

the composed pianist gave a flawless concert

collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.

the nurse stayed calm and collected

unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement.

harried but unruffled

imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.

the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling

nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.

a nonchalant driver

Examples of composed in a Sentence

He had told us he felt nervous about the performance, but he seemed perfectly composed when he walked onto the stage.

They tried to remain composed throughout the ordeal.

Recent Examples on the Web

After opening the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles, the United States followed it with a composed 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026

While uniform cubes are suited for an elegant, composed presentation, torn croutons are a humble upgrade for nearly everything else where a little contrast is welcome. — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026

In contrast, composed framing of his loyal squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), underlines a different emotion. — Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026

Americans have known Fox News’s Kayleigh McEnany as the composed woman behind the podium, forcefully defending administration policy in the White House briefing room, sparring with reporters on live television, or navigating the relentless pressures of national politics. — Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 17 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

see compose

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing composed

• self-composed
• through-composed

Rhymes for composed

• decomposed
• discomposed
• indisposed
• interposed
• juxtaposed
• predisposed
• presupposed
• reimposed
• superposed
• undisclosed
• undisposed
• unenclosed

Kids Definition

composed

adjective

com·​posed kəm-ˈpōzd 

: being calm and in control : self-possessed

composedly

-ˈpō-zəd-lē 

adverb