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
Beaverbrook, a bucolic five-star country house hotel composed of a main manor house and storybook-style individual cottages. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026 Most boards are composed of accomplished, experienced leaders with deep expertise. James Langabeer, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for composed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composed
Adjective
  • 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
  • For several years, large majorities of Americans have reported being concerned about how companies use their data, while also having minimal understanding of how collected data is actually used.
    David Henkin, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • At the buffet, fill your plate with local cheeses, breads, muesli and cured meats like Schopfspeck prepared by the on-site butcher, or order from the à la carte menu and watch as the chefs prepare each dish in the open kitchen.
    Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Alfonsi departed after clashing with Bari Weiss, CBS News’ editor in chief, who delayed the airing of a report the journalist had prepared investigating the deportation of migrants to harsh prisons in Venezuela.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Historically, Tulu Nadu comprised the regions of Haiva and Tuluva.
    Andrew Pereira, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Aug. 2026
  • According to the Alpine Club, the expedition comprised five Nepali climbers, Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, Omani climber Nathira, American climber Mallory Geis, a Chinese climber identified only as Wang, and another foreign climber.
    CBS News, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • Gilt yields fell across the curve on Tuesday morning, suggesting markets were calmed by Burnham's cabinet choices.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 21 July 2026
  • Speaking to a standing-room-only crowd Sunday evening, officials stressed that even though the fires burning in northern Minnesota had calmed over the weekend, this year’s fire season is just getting started.
    Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Researchers used the device to process time-series data, including signals that contained both rapid and slow changes.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Aug. 2026
  • But the now more sluggish job market makes that less likely; and inflation should be more contained now, as fuel costs stabilize with a less active Mideast war.
    Harry Holzer, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Monaco says this is the foundation for maintaining a calm and organized kitchen.
    Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Instead of wiping firmware, an adversary nudges a setpoint, edits a protection parameter, distorts a sensor feed—or shows the operator a calm screen while the equipment tears itself apart.
    Julian Durand, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Officials from his office did not consult with anyone at Google when the earlier proposal was drafted, Carpenter said.
    Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Los Angeles drafted well, developed valuable trade chips and made winning the priority.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The next day, the Pac-12 filed a declaratory action in federal court, arguing that the poaching penalties constituted an unlawful restraint on competition.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Teams that, as currently constituted, feel one piece short of really challenging in the postseason.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Composed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composed. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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