compositions

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 Shea and mango butters, along with olive oil, work in tandem to soften, nourish, and condition the skin beneath all that coverage, preventing the tight, dry feeling that heavier matte compositions can leave behind. Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 13 June 2026 Bigger display fireworks, such as salutes that contain two grains – 130 milligrams – of explosive materials and professional-grade aerial shells with more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic compositions, can't be purchased for recreational use. Finch Walker, USA Today, 12 June 2026 There are a dozen on offer in various compositions, but a trio were presented at debut with slabs of coral, turquoise, and lapis lazuli as their backdrop. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 12 June 2026 Fragrance experts say shoppers are trading bright, fresh-from-the-laundry-line scents for compositions that feel like a hug. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026 Pinney’s avid, canny compositions put these varied appurtenances in plain view, foreground and background, making these empty outdoor spaces feel implicitly busy with civic life and labor. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 June 2026 Music producer David Foster, a longtime family friend, stopped by while working on a project and discovered LeFrak's compositions for the first time. Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 There’s a cosmic irony in referencing Yoshimura, whose soothing compositions were famously commissioned to accompany showrooms for model homes in Japan in the 1980s and have since become synonymous with domestic comfort. Harry Thorfinn-George, Pitchfork, 11 June 2026 The canvases, carefully arranged in structured compositions, rise in the gallery like geological formations or ancient architectural monuments, according to Claeysen-Gleyzon. Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compositions
Noun
  • Fling has not directed a mainstage show at Goodspeed before, but he’s been deeply involved in every production there since one of his roles is as a line producer overseeing all the shows not just at the Opera House but at Goodspeed’s space for new works, the Terris Theatre in Chester.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2026
  • Gutierrez said the jury would not privilege any particular documentary form, but would prioritize works that communicate genuine emotion and connect with viewers.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.
    Phil Helsel, NBC news, 17 June 2026
  • Siebel Newsom, who has been married to Newsom since 2008 and maintains a higher profile than other state governors’ spouses, has been the subject of several recent articles in right-wing news outlets.
    Haley Parsley, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Families will also appreciate the larger room layouts and pullout couch options in select suites, which make traveling with kids a little less chaotic and a lot more comfortable.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 12 June 2026
  • During Europe this meant working through the layouts with our art director Andrew Flynn, first on the phone, and later, over email.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 11 June 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, 11 Dec. 2025
  • Nguyen, who publishes heady critical essays on Substack, has some appealingly contrarian thoughts.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • In one hypothetical scenario, the Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Brooklyn Nets engaged in a three-team deal, which would have many moving pieces.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
  • Both high-end and modern fashion brands are showing interest in jacquard—especially those who like storytelling, customization, and bold pieces, Sena Candan said, noting that jacquard is often used for outerwear, statement jeans, jackets, and sometimes in accessories.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • There are millions of research papers published per year now—in popular topics, there are often multiple dozens of papers posted each day.
    Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 16 June 2026
  • Here, eventually, will be a dedicated computer for accessing digitized Obama administration papers, with assistance from a librarian skilled in government records.
    Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • Right now, trends point toward designs in natural materials such as raffia, jute, and cork, which reinforce the summer aesthetic and pair perfectly with the organic feel of linen.
    René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 14 June 2026
  • Those programs remain at an early stage, but CEPI is assessing whether any of these vaccine designs could be tested during the current outbreak.
    Paul Adepoju, Scientific American, 14 June 2026
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, 10 Dec. 2025
  • The streamer, owned by Reliance Industries and backed by Disney, will introduce regional-first formats, and new stories and creative voices, while develoing writing labs, mentorship programs and skill-building workshops.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compositions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compositions. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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