composed 1 of 2

Definition of composednext

composed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of compose
1
2
as in comprised
to be all the substance of the earth's crust is composed of mostly silicon with several other elements in smaller amounts

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in contained
to gain emotional or mental control of she took a deep breath and composed herself

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word composed different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of composed are collected, cool, imperturbable, nonchalant, and unruffled. While all these words mean "free from agitation or excitement," composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.

the composed pianist gave a flawless concert

Where would collected be a reasonable alternative to composed?

Although the words collected and composed have much in common, collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.

the nurse stayed calm and collected

When might cool be a better fit than composed?

While the synonyms cool and composed are close in meaning, cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.

kept a cool head

In what contexts can imperturbable take the place of composed?

The words imperturbable and composed are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.

the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling

When can nonchalant be used instead of composed?

The meanings of nonchalant and composed largely overlap; however, nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.

a nonchalant driver

When is unruffled a more appropriate choice than composed?

In some situations, the words unruffled and composed are roughly equivalent. However, unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement.

harried but unruffled

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 composed
Adjective
But Peggy never forgot her roots; a genre-blending selector with range, she’s known for her energetic but composed sets. Kelly Washington, Refinery29, 22 Dec. 2025 Only on particularly bumpy tarmac did the GTS-spec suspension become too jarring with the adaptive dampers stiffened up in sport mode, but switching them to normal offered the best of both worlds—excellent, composed body control and tuning that ironed out imperfections remarkably well. Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
Blackburn said the district is composed of more than 3,000 buildings and features a collection of architectural styles mainly built between 1870 and 1930. Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 In the portion of the structure that’s distinct from other amino acids, all three have a branched structure that’s composed entirely of carbon and hydrogen. ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for composed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composed
Adjective
  • This style appeals for its timeless charm and ability to feel collected and lived-in over time.
    Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 27 Apr. 2026
  • For one, Palestine by Joe Sacco, which found its way onto academic syllabi before gaining steam as a collected volume of graphic reporting.
    Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Don’t leave without ordering the bread pudding for dessert, which is prepared in a deep fryer and is the perfect consistency.
    Anna Katherine Clemmons, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The proposal would burden doctors with giving parents a highly detailed consent statement to be prepared by boards of medicine and osteopathic medicine, and forbid health authorities to order vaccinations during outbreaks of familiar or new deadly diseases.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Great Divide had healthy physical sales, around 175,000; however, streaming led the Vermont native’s ascent to the top — streaming units comprised 212,000 of the total 389,000 first week equivalent album units.
    Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 3 May 2026
  • Fort Worth bond package Fort Worth citizens will have their say on an $845 million bond package comprised of six separate propositions aimed at funding a wide range of infrastructure and community projects.
    Steven Rosenbaum, CBS News, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • The lake had calmed and there was only a slight breeze.
    Jim Hoagland, Outdoor Life, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Defense lawyer John Cantrell said Ashley accused him of cheating, but the situation had calmed down.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The 28-year-old pleaded guilty to possessing the destructive device, which contained flammable ethanol and a wick designed to ignite when lighted.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
  • When Federal Reserve officials convened on March 17-18, just a few weeks after the war broke out, Chair Jerome Powell said any effects on inflation would likely be temporary and could be contained within the energy industry, keeping the door open for at least one rate cut this year.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Stay calm and adjust without losing your place.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
  • Carly is cool, calm, controlled, and precise.
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • Las Vegas also drafted Trey Zuhn III, who can play all five positions up front, in the third-round.
    Sam Warren, New York Times, 6 May 2026
  • The Marlins have five days to trade or release Paddack, who was drafted by the team in the eighth round in 2015.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 May 2026
Verb
  • James Comey was indicted on two felony counts Tuesday, on charges that his Instagram post of seashells arranged as the numbers 8647 constituted a threat on the president.
    Pilar Melendez, NBC news, 1 May 2026
  • Attorneys Fabio Viglione and Maria Concetta Marzo, representing Cardinal Angelo Becciu, said that the prosecutors’ response constituted a failure to comply with the court order.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Composed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composed. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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