compose

play

verb com·pose \ kəm-ˈpōz \

Definition of compose

composed; composing

transitive verb

1 a :to form by putting together :fashion

a committee composed of three representatives
—Current Biography

b :to form the substance of :constitute

composed of many ingredients

c :to produce (columns, pages of type, etc.) by composition

2 a :to create by mental or artistic labor :produce

compose a sonnet

b (1) :to formulate and write (a piece of music)

composed a symphony

(2) :to compose music for

3 :to deal with or act on so as to reduce to a minimum

compose their differences

4 :to arrange in proper or orderly form

The two men had laid him on the bed, and composed his limbs.
—Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu

5 :to free from agitation :calm, settle

composed himself

Life moves on, … and one must compose oneself to meet it …
—Rose Macaulay

intransitive verb

:to practice composition (as of literary, musical, or typographical work)

At the age of 10, he was composing at the piano.

See compose defined for English-language learners

See compose defined for kids

Examples of compose in a Sentence

She composed a letter to her sister.
He is in his studio composing.

Recent Examples of compose from the Web

The team, composed of 12 offensive players, 12 defensive players and three specialists, was put together with 167 votes from media members who cover the ACC.

— jeff greer, The Courier-Journal, "Louisville football | Jaire Alexander, Lamar Jackson make preseason All-ACC team," 19 July 2017
An IHSA official for 29 years, Grohovena also serves as the recruitment chair for the Inter-Athletic Council of Officials, an organization composed of 17 sports officials associations throughout northeastern Illinois.

— steve reaven, chicagotribune.com, "As officials leave the field, IHSA emphasizes recruitment, retention," 18 July 2017
The Democratic ballot is composed of eight candidates, even those who may drop out of the race before the primary.

— paul gattis, AL.com, "Check out sample ballots for Alabama's special Senate election," 18 July 2017
Every shot is meticulously composed to make its point, with nothing left to chance.

— charles taylor, MSNBC Newsweek, "Cannes' Favorite 'Lady Macbeth' Isn't Daring, but It Might Be Racist," 17 July 2017
Fire ants build rafts, composed of themselves, to escape floods.

— james gorman, New York Times, "Ants, Dutiful Escape Artists, Build Towers in Constant Flux," 17 July 2017
By charter, Beavercreek is a council-manager form of government with the council composed of six council members elected at-large to four-year revolving terms of office.

— sheila vilvens, Cincinnati.com, "Loveland: Grassroots efforts for change in government format underway," 12 July 2017
The winning amendments will compose the final bill.

— deroy murdock, National Review, "Senate Majority Leader McConnell Should . . . Lead the Senate Majority," 10 July 2017
The new board of directors would be composed of seven Vantiv board members and four Worldpay members.

— alexander coolidge, Cincinnati.com, "Vantiv merger could vault it onto the Fortune 500," 5 July 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of compose

Middle English, from Anglo-French composer, from Latin componere (perfect indicative composui) — more at compound

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

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compose Synonyms

Synonyms

cast, craft, draft, draw up, formulate, frame, prepare, put together

Antonyms

agitate, discompose, disquiet, disturb, key (up), perturb, upset, vex

Related Words

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

Near Antonyms

aggravate, heighten, intensify; arouse, excite, foment, incite, rouse, stir (up), work up

COMPOSE Defined for English Language Learners

compose

play

verb

Definition of compose for English Language Learners

: to come together to form or make (something)
: to create and write (a piece of music or writing)
: to practice the art of writing music

COMPOSE Defined for Kids

compose

play

verb com·pose \ kəm-ˈpōz \

Definition of compose for Students

composed; composing

1 :to form by putting together

compose a team

2 :to be the parts or materials of

This cloth is composed of silk and wool.

3 :to create and write

compose a song

compose a letter

4 :to make calm :get under control

Although the news is shocking, I'll try to compose myself.

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compose Synonyms

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COMPOSE Defined for English Language Learners

compose

Definition of compose for English Language Learners

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