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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 That mix makes the genetic composition in his HLA typing much more rare and more unique. Danielle Genet, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026 In its time orbiting Earth, Hubble has shaped our understanding of the universe by observing the atmospheric composition of planets around other stars and even discovering dark energy – a mysterious force that causes the universe to expand. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026 If the assignment is to write an original composition on a particular topic, plenty of such compositions already exist, and many tools can generate essays that even a plagiarism-checker will deem to be original. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 25 Mar. 2026 Chip Taylor’s Songs Defined Generations Taylor’s compositions were recorded and performed by dozens of famous musicians, cementing his place in popular music history. Ryan Brennan march 25, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for composition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composition
Noun
  • And there was still so many questions that were left unanswered … a big piece of that was, what else was he involved in?
    Lauren Clark, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Neutral tones, rattan and brown leather furnishings, and antique-style wooden pieces characterise each indoor space so elegantly that interiors barely resemble a tent at all.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Mack’s remains were tied with rope in a black plastic bag that was wrapped with duct tape, according to court papers.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • There is no sign outside for the companies that, on paper, received tens of millions of dollars tied to one of the largest corruption investigations in global soccer.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • An open-plan layout invites easy indoor-outdoor living and entertaining throughout the home, which boasts mountain and ocean views.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026
  • These renovations would update electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems; change classroom layouts; and increase accessibility at Fairmount, Procter and Korte elementaries.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Not only did that article form the basis of the film, but Lumet actually took the note and cast Pacino in the role of that dark, thin fellow.
    Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Not only did that article form the basis of the film, Lumet actually took the note and cast Pacino in the role of that dark, thin fellow.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • These questions linger as Ion goes about his day, looking for work, begging for change, and scarfing down a meal—moments that flash by in quick, propulsive blips.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
  • These achievements are linked to the longstanding work between the county, local providers and community partners, officials say.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Supreme Court ruling that banned the use of affirmative action in admissions said colleges could still consider how race has shaped students' lives if applicants share that information in their admissions essays.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Some of the essays are benign and well-documented; tales of her own neuroses, and her obsessions with the health of her father, Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm creator Larry David.
    Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Felder, an architect with an obsessive streak, thought extensively about the design of his banner, ultimately opting for a white sign with lettering the precise shade of blue as the Star of David on the Israeli flag.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The museum is dedicated entirely to 19th-century German and Austrian art and design, with a collection that spans paintings, furniture, sculpture, photography, and manuscripts.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Over the years, Banksy’s artwork has targeted and satirized British politics, American consumerism and gun ownership, classic art masterpieces, celebrity culture, war, global hunger, pollution, climate change and much more.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
  • After 50 years, the universal themes that made Carrie a horror masterpiece are getting an update for a new generation.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Composition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composition. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on composition

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster