composed 1 of 2

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
The vocabulary being used by Qatar’s prime minister is strong, evocative and damning, a departure from his usual composed response to the incessant twists and turns of trying to end the 23-month war in Gaza. Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025 Remember, significant wealth can be created in the market by those who maintain a composed and strategic approach during times of volatility. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
Hopkins plays Elyse's doctor and composed the score for the film. Lia Beck, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025 Surveys are broadly composed of two kinds of data. Adam Bai, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for composed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composed
Adjective
  • The collected premium cushions downside risk and enhances the effective yield on capital at risk.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The collected data feeds into Cyvl’s Infrastructure Intelligence Platform, where proprietary AI algorithms assess conditions down to the smallest crack or sign of deficiency.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Nothing could have prepared her for the diagnosis that was yet to come.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Democrats prepared for a high-profile Trump rally or endorsement in Pennsylvania that never came.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The helmets’ one-size-fits-all design comprised a manganese steel outer shell and an adjustable inner lining that was attached to a leather chinstrap.
    Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The first 10 episodes comprised season 2, with the remaining 10 slated for the upcoming third season, Entertainment Weekly can confirm.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • When things later calmed down, Mossack Fonseca did resign from some clients that wished to leave.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
  • While this week's reassurances have calmed markets for now, the sharp selloff in regionals last week is leaving a lasting mark on the industry.
    Hugh Son, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire has been fully contained.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The blaze is now contained, but a shelter-in-place order remains in effect for the area around the airport.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • With over 20 years of experience, Melissa has helped families transform chaos into calm using compassion, clarity, and proven behavioral strategies.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Peak season is over, meaning the crowds are gone, the water feels calmer, the restaurants are more enjoyable, and the sunsets last just a little bit longer.
    Gabi De la Rosa, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The latter was shipped to the Indianapolis Colts in a deal that brought New York two first-round picks and wide receiver AD Mitchell, whom the colts drafted in the second round in 2024.
    Andrew McCarty, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Dubar also backed up Ashton Jeanty for two years; Jeanty finished as the 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up and was drafted 6th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2025 NFL Draft.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The compromises were not, in the end, ones that constituted red lines.
    Kerry Brown, Time, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Defense, prosecution presented conflicted arguments over use-of-force In court, prosecutors argued that Grayson's actions constituted murder.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Composed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composed. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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