Definition of compositionnext
1
as in piece
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 paper
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 layout
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 article
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 composition The 2019 Kennedy Center honoree, a protege of the late Leonard Bernstein, was a gifted pianist known for his exuberant compositions and ability to break down musical genres, and in particular, his dynamic interpretations of Gustav Mahler. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026 This contained an unusual elemental composition not commonly found on Earth. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026 Something is shifting in the composition of spirituality, and millions of Americans are turning to their search bars to make sense of it. Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 23 Apr. 2026 The composition of the commission reflected the different geographical and political–economic blocs of that time. Stijn Joye, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for composition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composition
Noun
  • The curators Christine Riding and Lucy Bamford have brought together ten canvases that were originally shown in London between 1765 and 1773—the pieces thanks to which, during his mid-thirties, the North Midlands artist first secured a national reputation.
    Julian Bell, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Although Rolder’s short arm length could give him some trouble with block-shedding, several workable pieces on his profile likely speak to what Buffalo would go for in its new defense at a reduced cost.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • People drove up and opened trunks to reveal boxes and shopping bags full of ancient yellowed papers.
    Mary Norris, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
  • Paper Bag Method Place the avocado inside a paper bag with an apple, then close the bag, says Pornsriniyom.
    Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Released in the early ‘90s, the double-sided wristwatch shows a conventional chronograph layout with three registers on one side and an oversized, one-minute, multimeter scale on the other.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2026
  • There’s space to spread out, too, with notably generous layouts and extra-large bathroom vanities.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.
    Kent Thiry, Denver Post, 27 Apr. 2026
  • But there is one major factor left out of that piece and in many articles that have been written recently.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Full Moon moves through your 10th House of Visibility, bringing attention to your role, direction, and how others see your work.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
  • Dameron’s work has appeared in Kweli Journal, Los Angeles Review of Books, The Rumpus, and elsewhere.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Sarah Mullens’s essays have appeared in Oxford American, The Missouri Review, and other magazines.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Mostly, though, Reiner’s essay is about grief.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The site design also features restroom facilities, laundry machines, internet access and a secured perimeter with around-the-clock onsite security.
    Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • David Gallos’s scenic design showcases a modest but welcoming home where Bertha’s biscuits bake in the oven, a box of dominoes lies tucked on a side table, and warm coffee heats on the stove.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There was Jokic’s 56-point Christmas masterpiece this season, which ended with a frustrated Edwards getting ejected and laughed at by Ball Arena.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Along the way, masterpieces are made, gloves are bedazzled, moons are walked.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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