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
Before Tuesday night, Konate had looked much more composed and commanding. James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026 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
Verb
Written, composed, and arranged by K-indie singer-songwriter and producer Hyun-sang Ha, the pop-rock ballad was created with his friend, Minhyuk, in mind. Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 It's composed mostly of private citizens, along with several members of Congress and representatives from federal agencies. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for composed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composed
Adjective
  • That changed in 2018, when the Council passed Helen Rosenthal’s bill encouraging New Yorkers to report idling violations by requiring the city to publicize the process and pay them 25% of any collected fines for their efforts.
    Chris Hartmann, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Jackson will now look to reunite a Republican Party left battered by the most expensive and divisive gubernatorial primary in Georgia history, while also trying to convince a broader electorate that a healthcare executive with no political experience is prepared to lead Georgia.
    Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 17 June 2026
  • Long before Kansas City prepared to host six matches in soccer’s global tournament, an Overland Park kid named Matt Besler gave the city its first taste of the World Cup stage.
    The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 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
  • Data centers are contained in buildings stretching as far as a football field, housing thousands of continually running machines.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 June 2026
  • Crews quickly established hose lines on the roof and contained the blaze to a portion of the solar panels atop the structure, achieving knockdown in 48 minutes with no injuries reported, the Fire Department said at the time.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • To alleviate some of the security concerns in metropolitan areas and calm citizens' fears, the United States housed prisoners in military installations and federal facilities throughout the South and Southwest.
    Helaine Williams, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2026
  • Clark seized on a more gentle course — slightly calmer and still soft with receptive greens — by pulling away late to reach six-under-par through 16 holes.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Many of his teammates, in fact, rib him about being drafted in 2016, when many of them were in middle school, or younger.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2026
  • The Royals drafted Sweeney in 1991.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 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 22 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