1
as in works
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
3
as in layouts
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 essays
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
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Recent Examples of compositions
His compositions evoke profound emotions that linger long after the final note.
—
Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 28 May 2026
Breathtaking compositions, David Koepp’s X-FILES-meets-The Bible script is one big high-wire act, Emily Blunt’s most accomplished performance, John Williams’ best score in years.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026
Contemporary composer Ruth Naomi Floyd uses Anderson’s life and passions as inspiration for a new body of compositions inspired by her unique fusion of authentic jazz and stately classical formations.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Even though it hadn’t been made into a film until now, there were theatrical plays and musical compositions made based on Carolina’s life.
—Roberto Prieto, Variety, 26 May 2026
Learning from success and failure Rather than relying on manual decision-making, the system used algorithmic optimization to determine which alloy compositions should be tested next, allowing the workflow to continuously improve itself after every experiment.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 26 May 2026
That night will have Lark performing a set of her existing compositions.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 26 May 2026
Unlike her first album, the compositions rarely built toward pop choruses or easy, identifiable emotion.
—Sam Sodomsky, Pitchfork, 24 May 2026
The space observatory mapped the motions and compositions of 2 billion stars across the Milky Way between July 2014 and January 2025.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 May 2026
Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 28 May 2026
Breathtaking compositions, David Koepp’s X-FILES-meets-The Bible script is one big high-wire act, Emily Blunt’s most accomplished performance, John Williams’ best score in years.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026
Contemporary composer Ruth Naomi Floyd uses Anderson’s life and passions as inspiration for a new body of compositions inspired by her unique fusion of authentic jazz and stately classical formations.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Even though it hadn’t been made into a film until now, there were theatrical plays and musical compositions made based on Carolina’s life.
—Roberto Prieto, Variety, 26 May 2026
Learning from success and failure Rather than relying on manual decision-making, the system used algorithmic optimization to determine which alloy compositions should be tested next, allowing the workflow to continuously improve itself after every experiment.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 26 May 2026
That night will have Lark performing a set of her existing compositions.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 26 May 2026
Unlike her first album, the compositions rarely built toward pop choruses or easy, identifiable emotion.
—Sam Sodomsky, Pitchfork, 24 May 2026
The space observatory mapped the motions and compositions of 2 billion stars across the Milky Way between July 2014 and January 2025.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compositions
Noun
-
In his gorgeous and arresting debut, Nick Martino hurtles through a variety of forms—from sonnets to visual poems to works of visual art—to vividly portray and reflect on a teenager’s world during and after the speaker’s parents’ divorce and his father’s incarceration.—
Craig Morgan Teicher,
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
-
This matching linen shirt and shorts set works for any occasion or itinerary, from the flight to Europe to a hillside lunch in Positano to a low-key coastal dinner in Lagos.—
Staff Author,
Travel + Leisure,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
The articles included allegations of abuse of office, bribery and misuse of taxpayer funds, but Paxton was later acquitted by the Texas Senate.—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
-
Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.—
Daniel Arkin,
NBC news,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
Home tasks are tougher, as layouts and tasks are more varied and messy.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
-
New enrichment features and varied yard layouts are meant to encourage more natural giraffe behavior, Putney said.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
Her essays and criticism have appeared in the New York Times, New York Magazine, The Atlantic, Vanity Fair, Esquire, The New Republic, and more.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 May 2026
-
Stacy Arp, an Oak Forest Police Department dispatcher who helped gather the applications and essays, said most members of the Oak Forest Police Association voted for the two students.—
Janice Neumann,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
To design a room around books, mix them with ceramics, small pieces of art and objects to create depth.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2026
-
Housing plans Prospects for Pritzker’s ambitious package of proposals to build more housing in Illinois seemed murky Friday, though several pieces of legislation have inched forward in recent days.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
The juxtaposition of glossy and matte papers satisfied the papyrophile in Nilsson while adding a chewy subtext for viewers.—
Jeremy Lybarger,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
-
With her father’s trade closed to her, Enda steals her brother’s immigration papers, sews her savings into the lining of her jacket, and sets sail for Canada.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
Florence loves to experiment with her style and aesthetic, finding a home in the designs of romantic, high drama-hitting Harris Reed, Simone Rocha, and Rodarte.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
31 May 2026
-
Cowgirl nail designs are not totally new—Americana has been having a moment.—
Elle Turner,
Glamour,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
The Logistics Managers’ Index for April was at the root of many bearish stories.—
Jeremy Lott,
The Washington Examiner,
30 May 2026
-
Participants described a strong demand for stories rooted in care, emotional safety, dignity, joy, support, healing, stability, and full humanity.—
Dominique Fluker,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Compositions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compositions. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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