composed 1 of 2

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 an era of relentless man-to-man pressing, a midfielder who can stay composed and glide out of pressure is invaluable. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025 Only on particularly bumpy tarmac did the GTS-spec suspension become too jarring with the adaptive dampers stiffened up in sport mode, but switching them to normal offered the best of both worlds—excellent, composed body control and tuning that ironed out imperfections remarkably well. Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
As a 2006 study from Earth and Planetary Science Letters describes, one of the main factors that differentiates the scaly-foot gastropod from others is that its shell isn’t composed primarily of calcium carbonate. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026 The researchers also built micro-robots composed of multiple materials. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for composed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composed
Adjective
  • The collected data is sent to an app via Bluetooth, where it can be used to provide information on hormonal cycles and anxiety levels.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • After more than six months of study, Tianwen-2 will leave the asteroid and drop the collected sample down to Earth before heading off to investigate 311P/PanSTARRS, a complicated celestial object that’s part asteroid and part comet.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 31 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Bloom also appointed a coach prepared to operate within the framework of the recruitment structure.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Area shelters received food that had already been prepared before the postponement in Milwaukee.
    Mike Fore, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In April 1943, the minister for justice issued prohibition orders against the final four volumes of Proust’s work (whose English translation, then published under the title Remembrance of Things Past, comprised twelve volumes in total).
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Since arriving, Jaissle has fielded teams comprised partly of recognisable names, all on decadent wages, and more modest players.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Global markets have calmed after struggling with a quick surge for long-term government bond yields in Japan early in the week.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
  • However, reports indicate that street protests have largely calmed as the autocratic regime vowed to continue quashing demonstrations.
    The Hill, The Hill, 17 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The warehouse contained specialized food intended for young children and pregnant and breastfeeding women who were malnourished.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026
  • The researchers presented toddlers with elaborate puzzle contraptions that contained prizes.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Crandon Park Beach Key Biscayne, Florida A two-mile stretch of soft white sand in Key Biscayne, family-friendly Crandon Park Beach consistently earns praise for its beauty and calm waters thanks to an offshore sandbar.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Simple, Purposeful Spaces Warm minimalism creates calm, simple spaces by keeping a room clean and clutter-free.
    Erica Puisis, The Spruce, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But Manning finished his career with an 117-117 overall record with the Giants, eventually replaced by Daniel Jones, whom the team drafted to be the next great franchise quarterback.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The Panthers drafted a receiver with that type of skill set last year with sixth-rounder Jimmy Horn.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • And, as bad as all that looting was, the wealth that remained in Congo constituted only a small percentage of what was being made on markets globally, and from the technology those minerals powered.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
  • My fellow Republicans have been holding firm in labeling Renee Good a domestic extremist, asserting that her actions constituted a violent threat motivated by ideological aims.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Composed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composed. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on composed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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