composed

adjective

com·​posed kəm-ˈpōzd How to pronounce composed (audio)
: free from agitation : calm
especially : self-possessed
They tried to remain composed throughout the ordeal.
composedly adverb
composedness noun
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 Everything under Gonzalez, the former assistant for the United States Men’s National Team, looked more defensive, but also more under control, more composed and more organized. Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2024 In the fast-paced, often high-stress environments that leaders navigate, the ability to remain composed and make objective decisions is invaluable. Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 The Comets showed resilience and remained composed to close the game out with three more scores to earn their first win in over a month. Nathan Dunn, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2024 The junior superstar stayed composed, banking in the shot from near half court. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Feb. 2024 However, the Suns wound up being the team that not only handled the flare-up better, but won the mental battle by being more composed and actually turning the tables on Dallas. Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 25 Jan. 2024 Thus, there is a need to find a middle ground between using technology to create more dynamic experiences while still conveying the human emotion felt in a composed score. Kyle Russell, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2024 The pressure in a champagne bottle falls over the years, resulting in smaller and scarcer bubbles—and that more composed, rather quieter character can often be part of the charm of a long-aged cuvée. Alice Lascelles, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2023 Emma Corrin’s Diana, similarly, came across as tightly wound, naive, and incredibly fragile, whereas Debicki’s was insightful, composed, knowing. Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 14 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'composed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see compose

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of composed was in 1607

Dictionary Entries Near composed

Cite this Entry

“Composed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/composed. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

composed

adjective
com·​posed kəm-ˈpōzd How to pronounce composed (audio)
: being calm and in control : self-possessed
composedly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on composed

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