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
In contrast, composed framing of his loyal squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), underlines a different emotion. Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026 Later, Venus enters Cancer, helping your public tone stay warm and composed. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 18 May 2026
Verb
The back-to-back Wednesday and Thursday night programs featured music composed and performed by Americans. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026 Steps were taken this offseason to do just that, including establishing a task force composed of eight general managers and coaches. Annie Costabile, New York Times, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for composed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composed
Adjective
  • The collected luggage includes roller bags, duffel bags, suitcases and backpacks.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Residents in these areas are encouraged to be prepared in case an evacuation is issued.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 13 July 2026
  • Before opening her store, Altshuler had prepared three hundred and sixty jars of pickles to sell, and eventually started giving them away to people who donated books.
    Emma Allen, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • These clutch wallets accompanied Vaccarello’s step-and-repeat of suits that comprised the opening eight looks–a nod to the 60th anniversary of the Le Smoking, one of the house’s most revolutionary contributions to the industry.
    Alice Cary, Vogue, 13 July 2026
  • D’Souza established himself in Thiel’s inner circle, which comprised mostly men, most of whom were gay and most of whom were tech founders or venture capitalists.
    Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • Neil lifted his eyes and peered out at the sea, the sky now calmed, the air flinty and strange.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 July 2026
  • As the situation in the south has calmed under a tentative truce, Hamza is waiting for the animals’ owners to return and reclaim them.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Sanders noted that the president’s proclamation, which imposed a partial travel ban on holders of Antigua and Barbuda passports, contained several factual errors.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • Wildberries said the fire at the Kotovsk site had been contained.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • The ministry instructed citizens to remain calm and head to the nearest safe space.
    Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
  • My work became not just watching the Zeitgeist within the company but learning how to contain it—reading through messages, distilling the emotional temperature, and crafting executive responses meant to absorb shock and restore calm.
    Claire Stapleton, New Yorker, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • If the draft was still 40 or 50 or more rounds, there would certainly be more locals drafted.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • Herro spent seven seasons with the Miami Heat, where he was drafted in 2019 as the 13th overall pick.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • The agency also didn’t provide additional details on what else, if anything, may have constituted a threat.
    Caroll Alvarado, CNN Money, 13 July 2026
  • DyStar said natural gas constituted 82 percent of its Scope 1 emissions, whereas electricity accounted for 100 percent of Scope 2 emissions.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 8 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Composed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composed. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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