compositions

noun

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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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 As a result, his compositions have become strange totems of the internet, like global ringtones. — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026 The group remains one of the most successful and beloved acts in rock history, as well as a commercial juggernaut in its home country decades after many of its most famous compositions were first released. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Nishimura’s compositions offer truthful portraits of artifice. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 24 July 2026 Painterly compositions, operatic violence, and surreal emotional logic overwhelm the audience in twisted worlds that overwhelm first and explain second. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026 Adidas’ body mapped mechanical stretch jerseys for its World Cup partners allowed for 100 percent polyester compositions. — Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 21 July 2026 The music will draw heavily from Emmy Award-winning composer Jeremy Zuckerman’s iconic compositions, which have elevated the series’ modern setting and complex themes. — Charlie Vargas, Daily News, 16 July 2026 Lucky’s initial escape through a casino floor is shot predominantly in midrange close-ups, with no experimentation in building tension through unexpected compositions or cuts. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 15 July 2026 Her compositions are often marked by her love of long, slow glissandi, string instruments sliding, sometimes languorously, sometimes dramatically, up and down in ways that can be haunting and disorienting, but always captivating and entrancing. — Steve Hochman, SPIN, 15 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compositions
  1. works
  2. articles
  3. layouts
  4. essays
  5. pieces
  6. papers
  7. designs
  8. stories
Noun
  • Below is an example of how the scoring works, based on the performances of the Marist teams during the 2025-26 school year.
    — Chip Saye, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
  • One of Nebel’s major works was still there — The Wrestlers, a huge plaster work of two sinewy men locked in combat, which had been his thesis as a student.
    — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 30 July 2026
Definition of works
Noun
  • The committee is tasked with analyzing and reviewing problematic conference papers and enhancing quality screening of articles prior to publication to detect integrity issues such as plagiarism and tortured phrases.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 30 July 2026
  • Menier’s bio notes that the seemingly fake author has bylined nearly 250 articles.
    — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 30 July 2026
Definition of articles
Noun
  • The converted building with its red brick facade is favored for its large windows, multi-level layouts, outdoor terraces and ceilings that reach up to 25 feet.
    — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • The residences range from two-bedroom homes to penthouses, with even the smallest layouts measuring more than 2,000 square feet.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 July 2026
Definition of layouts
Noun
  • This is an excellent collection of scholarly critical essays about the poem—a great sample of some of the exciting literary critical work that has been and is still being done on Homer.
    — Emma Specter, Vogue, 31 July 2026
  • Cusack is making his graphic novel debut with Momo, but the actor previously co-wrote a 2016 collection of essays titled Things that Can and Cannot Be Said.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026
Definition of essays
Noun
  • Yelp’s list celebrates used furniture stores across the country that offer affordable alternatives to traditional retail, highlighting businesses where shoppers can find distinctive pieces without the price tag of brand-new furniture.
    — Evan Moore July 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
  • In today’s cultural economy, where archival fashion pieces, horology, and unique collections blur with investment strategy, the ability to maintain image and ownership while accessing capital quietly is increasingly prized for some.
    — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of pieces
Noun
  • Now condemned and boarded up, cordoned off by sagging tape, dirty roll-up door set to adorn the front pages of tomorrow’s papers.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Igor Cassini, a former society columnist for the Hearst papers and the brother of Oleg Cassini, Jacqueline Kennedy’s favorite couturier, was the chairman of Le Club’s board.
    — Kai Bird, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of papers
Noun
  • Additionally, thin or fragile skin can tear or simply not hold designs as well as younger, more elastic skin.
    — Rachel Brown Kirkland, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
  • Gaurav Gupta’s designs are often worn at the Grammys and Cannes Film Festival red carpets.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Definition of designs
Noun
  • This move reflects a broader industry trend of re-evaluating AI integration, emphasizing that while AI creates abundance, unique human contributions like personal stories and opinions are increasingly valuable.
    — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • But then in the editing room, the two stories didn’t fit together.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of stories

Browse Nearby Words

composition
compositions
compos mentis
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Cite this Entry

“Compositions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compositions. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of compositions for Spanish Speakers

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