compositions

Definition of compositionsnext
plural of composition
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in articles
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 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

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 compositions These regular observations will gradually take in data and aim to provide pivotal information about the strengths, compositions, and histories of these primitive cosmic bodies. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 8 Jan. 2026 Inside, a lavish cocktail reception featured ice sculptures and live music by 35 musicians from the Philharmonic Orchestra of Puerto Rico, performing familiar compositions with a Latin twist. Sarah Jones, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026 Kary, who cites Sonny Clark and Horace Silver as influences, likes to vary his sets with pop standards, original compositions and some Bebop. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 Jan. 2026 This year's list of new works entering the public domain dates back to 1930 and includes thousands of books, characters, comics, cartoons, films, art and musical compositions. Kate Perez, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026 In 2026, a few beloved compositions from the 1930s are now free for anyone to use. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 1 Jan. 2026 Revered as both a musical scholar and a spiritual guide, his compositions blended classical structure, traditional gospel, and Pentecostal praise in a way few had ever achieved. Sharon Lawson, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025 By Rose Horowitch By Matthew Aucoin The term is applied to radically different compositions across more than 1,000 years of history. Bhumika Tharoor, The Atlantic, 30 Dec. 2025 That soon included The Bling Ring’s many needle drops, which Lopatin’s compositions spritzed the edges of. Jack Denton, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compositions
Noun
  • The edgy South of Market venue in San Francisco that showcases works from up-and-coming artists is also known as a cool place to host gatherings and celebrations, especially among the city arts crowd.
    Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Meyers, performed works by Bach, Morten Lauridsen and Eric Whitacre alongside Grant Gershon, the Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and the chorale’s members.
    Camelia Heins, Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Widerman said any amendment to ZIM’s articles of association made without the government’s consent would be invalid, and implicitly warned against company attempts to circumvent the rights attached to the golden share.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The 2019 impeachment involved two articles relating to abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • As vehicles move toward higher levels of automation, interior layouts are being rethought.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Tagle notes these layouts showcase craftsmanship and express design intent, creating a bespoke feel.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Her current project is a collection of essays tracing her immigration to the United States.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Buchloh’s best essays romp through the history of genres—the female nude, the family portrait, the history painting, the Romantic landscape—to show how Richter’s work mines the past for the future.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The museum made unwanted headlines in 2023 when it was brought to light that some 1,500 objects— including gold jewelry, semiprecious stones, and glass pieces dating as far back as the fifteenth century BCE—had vanished from its collection over a span of years.
    News Desk, Artforum, 6 Jan. 2026
  • First, the Art Institute invites Grammy darlings Third Coast Percussion to perform pieces for player piano by late architect Bruce Goff, the subject of a major retrospective running through March.
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • These activists would be much wiser to write letters to the editor of local papers or to relevant federal and state legislatures and officials.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Court papers allege the two racked up the fraudulent charges starting in 2021.
    Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The simplicity of the marks is echoed in the Godna collection, whose designs feature articulated ribs of high-polish 18-karat yellow gold lined with pavé diamonds and holding larger diamonds.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025
  • But what's really cool is how the movie brings those story lines together in a narrative filled with intriguing twists, gnarly kills, heroic sacrifices and a slew of nifty new Predator designs.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
    Data Skrive, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Below, Dyens and Miailhe speak to Deadline about the importance of unearthing human stories amid the tragedy of the World War II era.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compositions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compositions. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on compositions

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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