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
After opening the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles, the United States followed it with a composed 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle. Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026 While uniform cubes are suited for an elegant, composed presentation, torn croutons are a humble upgrade for nearly everything else where a little contrast is welcome. Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026
Verb
The Park System is composed of 433 sites managed by the National Park Service. Eve Chen, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 Chromium in the alloy reacts at the surface to form an extremely thin, protective oxide film, primarily composed of chromium oxide. New Atlas, 3 Sep. 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
  • As deputies prepared to have the vehicle towed, one found a small black pouch containing passports and a Social Security card.
    Dale Ellis, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Part of our responsibility as leaders of the club is to be prepared.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In jail, Barisone read through tens of thousands of pages of discovery documents, much of which comprised Kanarek’s postings and electronic communications.
    Ian Parker, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
  • This year’s jury comprised Spain’s Berlinale Golden Bear winner Carla Simón (Alcarrás), Italian director and editor Sara Fgaier and Hania Mroué, director of Metropolis, the historic arthouse cinema in Beirut.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Lifeguards said the conditions calmed down on Monday but still left behind dangerous conditions at the end of the Labor Day weekend.
    Luzdelia Caballero, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The product immediately calmed down my irritable, rosacea-prone skin while delivering intense hydration that lasted all day.
    Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • If that money train stalls, the effects won’t be contained to tech investors on Wall Street.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
  • And the sadistic acts 764 perpetrators promote are not always contained to a computer screen.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Patience is the ability to remain calm and accept delays, difficulties, or annoyance without complaining or becoming angry.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Rooms The 275 rooms here are a calm and cool retreat from Miami’s loud and frenetic downtown.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Horn, who was drafted by Carolina in the sixth-round of the 2025 NFL Draft and appeared in 15 games, muffed a punt for a turnover in Sunday’s season opener against the Chicago Bears.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Joseph Dzierwa Dzierwa has the higher rank in the Orioles’ farm system, according to MLB’s Prospect Pipeline, and was drafted in the second round in 2025.
    Andrea Arcadipane, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Thompson asserted that the monitoring constituted unreasonable search and seizure, but a federal appeals court denied his claim last year.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Colonial armies fought in every theater and constituted some of the forces deployed during the war.
    Faisal Devji, Time, 11 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Composed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composed. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!