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
As the moment unfolded, Savannah shushed the future king and even briefly placed her hand over his mouth in an effort to keep him composed. Staff Author, InStyle, 13 June 2026 In contrast, composed framing of his loyal squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), underlines a different emotion. Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Verb
Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from fragrance experts. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Aug. 2026 The reason is Venus’ extraordinarily thick atmosphere, composed mostly of carbon dioxide. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for composed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composed
Adjective
  • Data brokers legally comb the internet for such information, build profiles using the collected information, and sell those profiles to anyone who’ll pay.
    Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Paired with the Emme play table, this duo creates the kind of collected look that feels professionally layered.
    Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • But the rock is under constant monitoring, evacuation plans are prepared and experts say the rock is more likely to break down gradually than in one huge chunk.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Mornings start with coffee (prepared in the rental’s corner kitchenette) on the balcony before heading out and about the Old Town.
    Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Last year, first-time visitors to Las Vegas comprised 10% of travelers, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority's annual visitor profile study.
    James Powel, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
  • And of course the mis en scène — comprised in Season 4 of a palatial hotel on the Croisette and a luxurious hilltop hideaway — are as central to the plot as the characters.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • After things calmed down, Crespo was curious how Isabella, 9, knew to perform the Heimlich maneuver.
    Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Global oil and gas markets have calmed since prices spiked at the start of the war, but prices are still significantly higher than before the conflict, and rose again early Friday.
    Amin Khodadadi, NBC news, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Traces of a silk fabric found near her skull that may have been used as a trim on a hat or bonnet contained metal threads made of pure gold and silver.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • According to German media, the cache in Berlin contained two handguns and ammunition.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Expect a calm palette of neutrals and soft blues, metallic accents, and plenty of natural light, with views either west toward the mountains and desert or north up the Strip.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The extra five minutes spent adjusting a pillow so the incision is protected, the calm explanation of what the next day will look like, the quiet competence that makes a terrifying situation feel manageable—these moments stick.
    Richard Menger MD MPA, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Smith, who is from Alabama, was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL draft after a four-year college career that included stints at East Mississippi Community College and the University of Kentucky.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • After being drafted by the Mets in the first round in 2024, Benge gave up pitching to focus on his development as a position player.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In 1970 people with tenure or tenure-track jobs constituted 73% of those teaching at colleges and universities.
    Paul Osterman, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The waters around Sicily, which was colonized by the ancient Greeks and later conquered by the Romans around 240 BC, constituted one of the ancient world’s most important trade routes.
    Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Composed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composed. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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