composed

adjective

com·​posed kəm-ˈpōzd 

: free from agitation : calm

especially : self-possessed

They tried to remain composed throughout the ordeal.

composedly

kəm-ˈpō-zəd-lē 

adverb

composedness

kəm-ˈpō-zəd-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• calm
• collected
• cool
• coolheaded
• equal
• level
• limpid
• peaceful
• placid
• possessed
• recollected
• sedate
• self-composed
• self-possessed
• serene
• smooth
• together
• tranquil
• undisturbed
• unperturbed
• unruffled
• unshaken
• untroubled
• unworried

Choose the Right Synonym for composed

cool, composed, collected, unruffled, imperturbable, nonchalant mean free from agitation or excitement.

cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.

kept a cool head

composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.

the composed pianist gave a flawless concert

collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.

the nurse stayed calm and collected

unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement.

harried but unruffled

imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.

the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling

nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.

a nonchalant driver

Examples of composed in a Sentence

He had told us he felt nervous about the performance, but he seemed perfectly composed when he walked onto the stage.

They tried to remain composed throughout the ordeal.

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, research at the Ivey Business School reveals that temperance (being calm, composed, patient, prudent, and self-controlled) is one of the weakest character dimensions for many people. —Mary Crossan, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

Accepting the results with a composed yet sobering tone, Shyne acknowledged the democracy. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 13 Mar. 2025

That said, these classics don’t hold a candle to the calm and composed road-going manners of the new Defender, which returned to the U.S. market in 2020 after a nearly 30-year absence. —Tim Stevens, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2025

Unexpected challenges, such as economic disruptions or global crises, require leaders to remain composed and responsive. —Dr. Sharon H. Porter, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see compose

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing composed

• self-composed
• through-composed

Rhymes for composed

• decomposed
• discomposed
• indisposed
• interposed
• juxtaposed
• predisposed
• presupposed
• reimposed
• superposed
• undisclosed
• undisposed
• unenclosed

Kids Definition

composed

adjective

com·​posed kəm-ˈpōzd 

: being calm and in control : self-possessed

composedly

-ˈpō-zəd-lē 

adverb