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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Relevance
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
Long, patient takes devoid of nondiegetic elements immerse us in Misael’s rudimentary existence, with birdsong and cracking branches working together with DP Cobi Migliori’s handsome long-shot compositions to create a trancelike atmosphere.
—
Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 16 May 2026
Michael Armitage, a British painter born in Kenya, updates old-style history painting with fresher, journalistic impulses to produce compositions—of chicken thieves, migrants crammed on rafts, crowds facing COVID-era curfews—that feel strangely dreamlike.
—Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 16 May 2026
Using large-format Polaroid film and primarily shooting in his Paris studio, Roversi’s dream-like and imaginative compositions have been able to transcend time.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
Georgacopoulos was inspired by the visual and physical dynamics of an eclipse to consider transformation and contrast, light and shadow, in a series of jewelry compositions including the Eclipse Chain necklace.
—Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Do painters unconsciously use similar shapes, contours or compositions to elicit an emotional response?
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 14 May 2026
Inspired by high-contrast black-and-white street photography, Mono converts images into dramatic black-and-white compositions using a custom monochrome LUT and simulated optical imperfections.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 12 May 2026
In taking on such an iconic figure—one whose compositions have been deconstructed and reconstructed in seemingly every possible direction—the group risks revealing the method to its madness.
—Levi Dayan, Pitchfork, 11 May 2026
Exploring potential alloy compositions A significant challenge in this field is the need to explore a wide range of potential alloy compositions that maintain strength at high temperatures while retaining the ductility required for manufacturing.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 16 May 2026
Michael Armitage, a British painter born in Kenya, updates old-style history painting with fresher, journalistic impulses to produce compositions—of chicken thieves, migrants crammed on rafts, crowds facing COVID-era curfews—that feel strangely dreamlike.
—Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 16 May 2026
Using large-format Polaroid film and primarily shooting in his Paris studio, Roversi’s dream-like and imaginative compositions have been able to transcend time.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
Georgacopoulos was inspired by the visual and physical dynamics of an eclipse to consider transformation and contrast, light and shadow, in a series of jewelry compositions including the Eclipse Chain necklace.
—Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Do painters unconsciously use similar shapes, contours or compositions to elicit an emotional response?
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 14 May 2026
Inspired by high-contrast black-and-white street photography, Mono converts images into dramatic black-and-white compositions using a custom monochrome LUT and simulated optical imperfections.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 12 May 2026
In taking on such an iconic figure—one whose compositions have been deconstructed and reconstructed in seemingly every possible direction—the group risks revealing the method to its madness.
—Levi Dayan, Pitchfork, 11 May 2026
Exploring potential alloy compositions A significant challenge in this field is the need to explore a wide range of potential alloy compositions that maintain strength at high temperatures while retaining the ductility required for manufacturing.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compositions
Noun
-
Most of the lamps on view this week and next are works of sculpture in themselves, from a towering totemic floor lamp to a slight but dynamic nightlight.—
Anthony Paletta,
Curbed,
17 May 2026
-
These works demonstrate innovative breakthroughs in both technology and art.—
Partner Content,
Variety,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
19 May 2026
-
Cuba Press, a news agency with six typewriters located in the house of the poet Raúl Rivero, managed to report on the national hangover, as did Habana Press, an agency directed by Joaquín Torres, who dictated his articles over the phone to the exiles running Cubanet and Radio Martí.—
Abraham Jiménez Enoa,
The Dial,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
Kin caregivers particularly struggle to afford housing with enough rooms and accessible, aging-friendly layouts.—
Jayme Fraser,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
-
The permanent pavers add a personal touch to any outdoor area through distinctive layouts and textures.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is running a series of guest essays this week about mental health in schools.—
Tiffany Gibson,
AJC.com,
15 May 2026
-
In the end, Turn (W)here became largely a book of experimental and lyric essays, some framed as archival documents, passport stamps, and definitions.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Most small jewelry items are a non-issue for body scanners, but larger, bulkier pieces may need to go into a bin.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2026
-
Misael eating meat alone, cutting up pieces with an enormous knife while barely lit by the flames in front of him, and, sporadically, almost-silent lightning bursts in the distant background.—
Vadim Rizov,
IndieWire,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
On the afternoon of the event, a Jewish man whose name was not revealed in court papers was walking his dog near the synagogue when Gitesatani approached from behind and punched him in the jaw, according to federal prosecutors.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
18 May 2026
-
In the first inning, a stack of stapled papers from the press box were carried by the gusts into the stands.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Having also grown up in Puerto Rico, Soto now intentionally repurposes objects and designs from her childhood into pieces of art that represent life on the small island, such as her upholstered plastic lawn chairs, which are deeply connected to Puerto Rican culture.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2026
-
The two-piece creation was the first of two designs from Rose, an Oscar winner.—
Julie Tremaine,
PEOPLE,
17 May 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,
17 May 2026
-
Superhero stories are copaganda; sitcoms sell middle-class norms.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Compositions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compositions. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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