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 This composition gives the oil both restorative and antioxidant functions, supporting skin renewal, helping to neutralize free radicals, and improving the appearance of aging over time. Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2026 But while this may help some artists, others continue to credit the ineffable qualities of music composition. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 2026 This philosophy extends beyond Ford’s digital architecture to the physical composition of its new pickup. Byron Hurd, The Drive, 19 Feb. 2026 The Hollywood Bowl performance features soloist Lakecia Benjamin, acclaimed for her 2020 album of John and Alice Coltrane compositions. Jem Aswad, Variety, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for composition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composition
Noun
  • Vintage gems, like this Gucci 1999 piece, are also typical of the Rihanna school of style, from archival accessories and custom couture, to Chanel faux fur jackets, retro sports jerseys, or Galliano-era Dior saddle bags.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Investigating inconsistencies in the case, Morris utilizes testimonies from key figures to recreate pieces of the night in question in strange and striking detail.
    Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • One of his most notable accomplishments was a paper published in 2007 about the presence of water on a distant planet outside our solar system.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The plant was fully integrated into the paper mill’s heat generation infrastructure.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Rooms can accommodate families with connecting layouts, and a thoughtful program for Little Stars includes boba tea-making classes, Hakka umbrella-painting workshops, and various Taiwanese cooking classes.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Don't worry, the seller offers technical assistance, including layout suggestions based on your space's purpose, configuration support, and overall project consultation.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But Paramount, which declined to comment for this article, has not been shy about playing its political cards.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
  • To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.
    Ted Williams, Denver Post, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The researchers are hopeful that their work will help advance hydrovoltaic devices that can power battery-free devices using water, heat, and sunlight.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Grillmair’s work had focused on uncovering the structure of the Milky Way, identifying faint stellar streams and substructures that make up the galactic halo surrounding our spiral galaxy, and helping reshape our understanding of how galaxies evolve, according to his website.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In his second term in 2013, Obama hand wrote an essay submitted to the Lincoln Presidential Library to mark the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
    Jim Williams, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Gayheart, meanwhile, penned an essay for The Cut that December that offered an inside glimpse at how her family was coping with the diagnosis.
    Emma Banks, InStyle, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Flexibility and efficiency Hitachi’s dual-mode excavator marries eco-friendliness and efficiency in a single design.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
  • One of the city’s most refined addresses, Upper House Hong Kong brings together warm, intuitive hospitality with minimalist design.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Don't just come for the shows; the building itself is an architectural masterpiece, hosting a lively mix of exhibitions and performances in its atrium.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Work has accelerated on Gaudí’s architectural masterpiece since 1882, driven largely by millions of annual tourists whose entrance fees fund ongoing construction.
    Suman Naishadham, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Composition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composition. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

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