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
Stability, the ability to remain composed, consistent and dependable, especially during times of change and stress, is the bedrock of trust and the quiet strength that allows others to feel secure and focused. Michael McFall, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 The 2021 Baylor and 2022 Kansas national championship squads were nearly entirely composed of upperclassmen, and UConn started just one freshman for each of its back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024. Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
Botnets, composed of ordinary devices like phones, smart thermostats, or webcams, are a growing threat. Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024 It's composed of five EPs Stevens made for loved ones through the years, many of whom helped complete the set, giving the Christmas album's aura an extra personable touch. Stephanie Kaloi and James Mercadante, EW.com, 21 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for composed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composed
Adjective
  • Some visitors bring their collected shells, sea glass, and bits of beach fodder.
    Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 6 May 2025
  • Warhol is one of the most collected artists in the Emirates and the car offered collectors a fresh reframe the icon.
    Grace Banks, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • There’s no such thing as being over-prepared when traveling with kids.
    Ramona Saviss, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2025
  • All four teams are stronger and better prepared with players who weren’t available for the first meeting.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Carter’s look comprised a corset top with crystal embellishments and matching pants featuring a slit around the knees to improve her mobility during the performance.
    Renan Botelho, WWD, 26 Dec. 2024
  • Each unit comprised a photon transceiver and a digital processing unit, and the devices were hooked together via 10 km of dedicated optical fiber.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • There, Irving fought for his man, and Burt calmed him down, shook his hand, and said goodbye.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025
  • When the crew announced the plane was returning to Savannah, Augustin calmed down, the court document says.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Many of the posts contained hateful messages about Muslim Americans, the same type of bigotry O'Reilly had fought against.
    Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Jabbar's truck contained an ISIS flag.
    Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Three Palestinians in Gaza told Reuters early on Monday afternoon that there had been calm since midday, with no sound of drones or warplanes.
    James Mackenzie, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • In a moment when the joyously plural expressions of being American are funnelled down to a single dominant script, the careful, considered, globally-oriented, calm Leo XIV is unlikely to fulfil the aspirations of MAGA loyalists to a showdown, a culture war or an open conflict.
    Anna Rowlands, Time, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO), working with police and military investigators, is probing whether Yoon's actions constituted rebellion.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025
  • In a forum on Eleven Warriors, a popular Buckeyes fan website, a commenter recently polled fellow fans about what constituted success this season.
    Andrew Greif, NBC News, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The sound of the ocean lulled me to sleep at night, and gently woke me up early every morning.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Maybe lulled into a sense of security by how well the Quickfire went, final plating issues also start to plague this crew.
    Caroline Framke, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Composed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composed. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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