composed 1 of 2

Definition of composednext

composed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of compose
1
2
as in comprised
to be all the substance of the earth's crust is composed of mostly silicon with several other elements in smaller amounts

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in contained
to gain emotional or mental control of she took a deep breath and composed herself

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word composed different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of composed are collected, cool, imperturbable, nonchalant, and unruffled. While all these words mean "free from agitation or excitement," composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.

the composed pianist gave a flawless concert

Where would collected be a reasonable alternative to composed?

Although the words collected and composed have much in common, collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.

the nurse stayed calm and collected

When might cool be a better fit than composed?

While the synonyms cool and composed are close in meaning, cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.

kept a cool head

In what contexts can imperturbable take the place of composed?

The words imperturbable and composed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.

the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling

When can nonchalant be used instead of composed?

The meanings of nonchalant and composed largely overlap; however, nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.

a nonchalant driver

When is unruffled a more appropriate choice than composed?

In some situations, the words unruffled and composed are roughly equivalent. However, unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement.

harried but unruffled

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 composed
Adjective
When the center returned to Minnesota, Finch saw a player who was more composed and sure of how to use his boundless energy within the context of the game. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 15 Jan. 2026 More aggressive than the Tide, more physical, more composed and clearly better prepared, the Hoosiers showed zero rust after a month-long break after the Big Ten championship game. Paul Myerberg, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026
Verb
The city’s Community Redevelopment Agency board, composed of the seven council members, was set to vote Thursday on a nonbinding stadium agreement — the same agreement approved by both Hillsborough’s County Commission and the Tampa City Council last month. Nina Moske, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2026 At the Met Gala, Imah looked composed without appearing rehearsed into stiffness. Partner Content, Variety, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for composed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composed
Adjective
  • There is a music room with an upright piano, wind-up gramophone and the collected lyrics of Bob Dylan—a perfect touch for the pop star.
    Ruchira Sharma, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 June 2026
  • Instead, embrace a collected look for a more stylish space.
    Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin also said last week that his agency is prepared to facilitate trade and travel at the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 9 June 2026
  • The Ramona West End Fire Safe Council is presenting a Wildland Urban Interface Workshop to help residents get prepared for a wildfire.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • Fallon’s entire audience at 30 Rockefeller Plaza’s Studio 6B will be comprised of die-hard Knicks fans who were unable to attend the NBA Finals in person.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 14 June 2026
  • The defending national champion Passion, comprised of 2025 AVP MVP Trevor Crabb and 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Phil Dalhausser, took on Miami’s six-time AVP Best Defender Taylor Crabb and 2024 Paris Olympian Andy Benesh.
    Ava DiCecca, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • Undeterred, Maurice instructed the group to lay down their instruments and meditate silently — onstage — until the rowdy crowd calmed down.
    Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
  • Callahan calmed the bats from there with a lineout and a strikeout and the teams were off to extra innings.
    Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • The fire was 60% contained as of Thursday morning, according to Cal Fire.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
  • There was only brief debate — and none of it contained support for women pastors.
    Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Here, the threat may arrive with a badge, a laptop bag and a calm voice.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026
  • Your 4th House of Home warms as Venus, planet of values, shifts in, encouraging careful upgrades that make daily life feel calm and genuinely cozy.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • HIs relationship with Epstein faced a new wave of scrutiny earlier this year when the Department of Justice's release of Epstein files included correspondence between the two men, as well as cryptic notes drafted by Epstein that hinted at Gates' extramarital affairs.
    Lauren Peller, ABC News, 10 June 2026
  • Less than two months after being drafted, Lomu said playing right tackle now feels natural to him.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Pinney’s bold and free conception of how a drama is constituted, and its inseparability from time and memory, displays a rare associative virtuosity.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 June 2026
  • Only one cast member has what could be constituted anything close to a normal speaking part.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 9 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Composed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composed. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on composed

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster