composition

noun

ˌkäm-pə-ˈzi-shən How to pronounce composition (audio)
Definition of compositionnext
1
as in piece
a literary, musical, or artistic production the compositions of Michelangelo include the dome of St. Peter's, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and his monumental statue of David

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2
as in paper
a short piece of writing done as a school exercise a teacher who is fond of having her class write compositions

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3
as in layout
the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged student photographers learn the importance of composition in creating striking images

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4
as in article
a short piece of writing typically expressing a point of view submitted a composition to the local newspaper for its special section marking Martin Luther King Day

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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 composition Painterly compositions, operatic violence, and surreal emotional logic overwhelm the audience in twisted worlds that overwhelm first and explain second. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026 If this tissue is shattered, all of the microbes inside of it spread into the water and change the nutrient composition. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 23 July 2026 As far as Cherubim is concerned, further study is warranted to determine the planet's atmosphere's complete composition and search for evidence of oceans and other features on the surface that could harbor life. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 22 July 2026 Additionally, water sommeliers are trained to identify the causes of differences and educate others about water and its composition. — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for composition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composition
  1. piece
  2. paper
  3. layout
  4. article
  5. work
  6. essay
  7. design
  8. masterpiece
Noun
  • Porzingis has become a dependable plug-and-play complementary piece around star players, including his 2024 NBA title run with the Boston Celtics.
    — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Adding another employee, buying a new piece of equipment, or expanding into a larger space all become harder when the tax code penalizes those investments.
    — Kent Strang, Boston Herald, 26 July 2026
Definition of piece
Noun
  • But 69% of that came from unrealized paper gains on its stakes in SpaceX and Anthropic, not the core business, and Wall Street looked straight through it.
    — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 23 July 2026
  • Lawmakers from Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies staged a counterprotest, calling for a discussion on examination paper leaks.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 23 July 2026
Definition of paper
Noun
  • The Mini starts at PLN 144,000 (for reference, this works out as around US$38,000) but Craft House says that there are lots of options available, including the choice of materials, layout, and solar power, and the firm can configure it to suit.
    — Adam Williams July 23, New Atlas, 24 July 2026
  • The first paved circuit is slated to open this fall, with additional layouts—and the long‑form P1 Circuit—following later in the year or in early 2027.
    — Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of layout
Noun
  • The author is the Founder of Making Space, an organization that has received philanthropic support from the GitLab Foundation and the Truist Foundation, both referenced in this article as funders investing in disability employment.
    — Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • The Athletic put the points raised in this article to United.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of article
Noun
  • According to research led by Robin Ely of Harvard University, leadership development involves deep identity work.
    — Melissa A. Wheeler, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Wi-Fi was quite fast—backed by Starlink—and able to support Zoom calls and remote work.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Definition of work
Noun
  • Crucially, Khosla’s essay stops well short of predicting governments will actually adopt such fixes.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 July 2026
  • Coverage opens with an essay written by Verducci and read by Joe Buck.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of essay
Noun
  • For more than four decades, Tully Luxury Travel has helped discerning travelers design journeys that extend well beyond the voyage itself.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 24 July 2026
  • Bryan’s team, taking inspiration from the design of the Atlanta Falcons’ wings and centering pleating into the designs, feels the most cohesive so far.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 July 2026
Definition of design
Noun
  • The cinematic masterpiece surpassed both critics’ and box office expectations in its opening weekend.
    — Dr. Samantha Madhosingh, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Respected directors are diving into the genre and creating masterpieces, but none of them seem interested in outer space.
    — Matthew Razak, Space.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of masterpiece

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compositing
composition
compositions
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Cite this Entry

“Composition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composition. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on composition

Nglish: Translation of composition for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about composition

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