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

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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

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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

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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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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 Numinous plein-air compositions, showing the patients around the institution’s grounds, assert the irresistible force of nature. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026 Zoltán Kodály and Béla Bartók traveled around countrysides collecting tunes to be turned into piano, violin and orchestral compositions. Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 27 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 Songwriting That Crossed Genre Lines Beyond his performing career, Bowman was an accomplished songwriter whose compositions reached some of country music’s biggest stars. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2026 Formed in Berlin, the Notos Quartett is known for its wide-ranging repertoire, spanning classical masterworks, rediscovered treasures and contemporary compositions. Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2026 For even more spellbinding photography, check out these architectural images from this year's Sony awards, as well as arresting compositions from the 2025 Minimalist Photography Awards and incredible details in last year's Natural Landscape Photography Awards. New Atlas, 21 Mar. 2026 An exploration of early 20th-century modernism in the Austrian capital, the album features compositions by Alban Berg, Anton Webern and Erwin Schulhoff. Arts Editor, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026 Grimm’s performances and compositions have been featured on NBC, Netflix, Hulu and stages, including The Ordway and Birdland Jazz Club. Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 18 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compositions
Noun
  • The museum has the world’s largest collection of paintings by Kandinsky, plus works by Picasso, Klee, Miró, and more.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Not every author is so concerned by how their works are reimagined.
    Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Finalizing tweaks and settings, such as enabling AI features and creating knowledge base articles, took several hours, which is about average.
    John Brandon, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Seven articles and ten amendments follow.
    Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Studio, one-bed and two-bed layouts are included.
    Mark Dee March 27, Idaho Statesman, 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
  • 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.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • The Jeep driver slammed on the breaks and reversed, crashing into the front of Acosta’s patrol car and sped off, leaving the gate pieces on the road.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • No folder of papers could be left blank.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 30 Mar. 2026
  • In 1916-17, de Sitter published three papers exploring relativity’s possibilities.
    Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • They're juxtaposed with quirky contemporary designs, like a brass-and-zinc coffee table by French-Serbian artist Marko and Edoardo Lietti’s Sedia Tonda chair, which recalls the cut-outs of the screens throughout.
    Amy Bradford, Architectural Digest, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Each faction packs completely different units and building designs and strategies, so even if one of your favorites hasn't been included, expect a deep and flexible take on RTS warfare.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • For more than four decades, the Korean immigrant has worked at the shop near Travis Air Force Base, hearing countless stories of loss, sacrifice and heartbreak from military families and service members.
    Kenny Choi, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Paxton told stories about running for office for the first time and his 2023 impeachment.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compositions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compositions. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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