composed 1 of 2

composed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of compose
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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

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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
Despite suffering from a severe injury at 13,800 feet, the climber remained responsive and composed. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025 Then take the time to analyze the situation before delivering a thoughtful and composed response. Christopher Fairbank, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
The Sun has very little of these elements present in its photosphere, but the Moon’s crust and regolith is almost exclusively composed of these heavier elements. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 4 Sep. 2025 Carbohydrates are composed of sugar units bonded together. Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for composed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composed
Adjective
  • Your publisher is preparing an edition of new and collected stories, which will come out next year.
    Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2025
  • In Kenya, authorities blocked World signups and ordered the deletion of collected biometric data after a high court determined the company failed to meet legal standards for biometric data collection.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Grab these early Halloween deals now so you can be prepared when October 31st rolls around.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Here, these dishes are prepared with less sauce (not a bad thing) and overall salt than at Taipei South, despite having the same ownership.
    Shindy Chen, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The first release of UCISD material on August 11 comprised 3,547 pages of material, categorized by the relevant person or subject.
    Matthew J. Friedman, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Last year, restricted stock and performance stock comprised 76% of Barra's total 2024 compensation, Cain said.
    Jackie Charniga, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Gold fell in the markets in the 1980s and the 1990s, as real estate calmed down for once.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Her rats' playfulness motivated her and eased feeling of loneliness, while her cats' soothing weight on her chest calmed her anxiety.
    Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • After the fire is fully contained, the next step is to control it.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The fire is yet to be contained.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Hill stayed calm, recovering from the blunder and finding an open lane for an 80-yard touchdown.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
  • All of these things can soften poop and move it through your system more smoothly—which helps keep those nearby blood vessels calm and cool.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The 20-year-old is familiar with pressure, having been the youngest player in history to be drafted into the NWSL.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Johnson wants the inquiry to remain with the House Oversight Committee and has drafted a resolution directing the panel to publicly release its findings when ready.
    Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And October’s jobs numbers, reported just days before the election, constituted the worst month for jobs since the pandemic.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Two Brits, one American, and an Indian Forestry Official constituted our team (the Coast Guard refused to help).
    Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Composed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composed. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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