Entry Word: compose

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to put (something) into proper and usually carefully worked out written form <the whole class composed a request to the governor asking that the endangered species be adopted as the official state animal>

Synonyms cast, craft, draft, draw (up), formulate, frame, prepare

Related Words fabricate, fashion, form, mold, sculpture, shape; couch, express, phrase, state, verbalize, word; author, pen, write; conceive, concoct, devise; build, construct, make; assemble, compound, piece (together)

Phrases put together

2 to be all the substance of <the earthʼs crust is composed of mostly silicon with several other elements in smaller amounts> — see constitute 1
3 to free from distress or disturbance <composed himself after hearing the terrible news> — see calm 1
4 to gain emotional or mental control of <she took a deep breath and composed herself> — see collect 1