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

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
Mejia, who studied piano performance at the Frost School of Music in the ‘90s, calls it a full circle moment to perform his concerto in Miami with the orchestra, which is composed of students in the Frost School. Megan Fitzgerald, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026 The result is a soccer-ball-like shape composed of 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons. Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 24 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 tribute program accompanying Yakusho’s award comprised seven films personally approved by the actor, with the festival noting that his participation marked a highlight in the event’s 28-year history.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Bravo’s reunions are a very closed set, usually comprised of only the cast, production and glam, though the latter are not on the live set or in a distance to hear audio.
    McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Enough time passed and my parents calmed down.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The recent decline comes as ceasefire talks in the Iran war have calmed the bond market and pulled the 10-year Treasury yield, the main driver of mortgage rates, back down.
    Tim Maxwell, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The authors argued that the typical American diet contained excessive calories and fat and lacked sufficient amounts of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Burick and one of his students assemble the base for one of ENIAC’s three portable function tables, which contained banks of switches that stored numerical constants.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Lead with calm confidence, but keep your claims grounded.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026
  • His elite pass protection and calm feet mean he can be trusted immediately to keep the quarterback clean on passing downs, while also providing a high-effort presence on special teams.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The bunt play was an opportunity for Cruz to show off his skills from a prior baseball life, as he was drafted as an infielder before converting to a pitcher later in his career.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The Buckeyes didn’t slow down from there with seven more players drafted, giving them the most of any school this year with 11.
    Josh Dubow, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Commission operates at arm’s length from the government and is legally constituted to make decisions independent of political influence.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Turkey denies the deaths constituted genocide, saying the toll has been inflated and that those killed were victims of civil war and unrest.
    City News Service, Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Composed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composed. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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