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
Grapes for this amazing red are sourced from the Bosché Vineyard in the Rutherford AVA, and the blend is composed of 93 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 7 percent Merlot. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026 Debjit Samanta served as cinematographer, Ketul Thakkar edited the film and Nishant Ramtake composed the original score. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 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
  • Ford said in an interview published Monday that Canada should be prepared to cut off electricity exports to the United States if the trade war worsens, putting a potentially powerful weapon on the table.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • While earthquakes are not connected to climate change, the way many cities in earthquake-prone California have prepared for a potential Big One is as an example of what’s possible.
    Peter Prengaman, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The zaobanchu during Qianlong’s reign comprised nearly one thousand artisans, who worked out of fear to serve the demands of the insatiable emperor who would sometimes dole out severe punishments, like taking away a year’s salary.
    Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The testing phase comprised 53 separate commissioning procedures broken into 308 individual chapters.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Diplomatic talks ultimately calmed tensions, and no further attacks occurred.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Since then, 30-year Treasury yields rose 11 basis points and JGB yields 23 basis points, before Bessent again temporarily calmed markets following the announcement that the Treasury would more than double its long-term bond repurchases.
    Justin Zacks, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • According to the lawsuit, Zaragoza purchased a chalupa supreme meal box that contained iceberg lettuce from a Taco Bell restaurant on July 11.
    Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • That’s a decrease from Sunday, when the fire was 25% contained.
    Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Mood stabilizers influence brain receptors that release and maintain neurotransmitters, calm overactive circuits and strengthen cellular connections over time.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • As a priest, Lamb held a calm, patient and somewhat self-deprecating sense of perspective.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Folks who drafted Oppenheimer based on that pedigree a few years ago were amply rewarded.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In April of 2023, the board drafted a memorandum of understanding with the Maybourne Hotel Group, which is primarily owned by members of the Qatari royal family.
    Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Johnson, the East Moline Democrat who spurned membership on the working group, noted it was constituted by lawmakers who had publicly spoken out in support of Welch in the fallout over his handling of the Benton scandal.
    Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Composed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composed. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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