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
In an era of relentless man-to-man pressing, a midfielder who can stay composed and glide out of pressure is invaluable. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 2 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
The resulting material is an aerogel composed of 99% air by volume. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026 Early on in cosmic history, the Universe was composed primarily of hydrogen and helium, as no substantial quantities of heavier elements were formed during the early stages of the hot Big Bang. Big Think, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for composed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composed
Adjective
  • To address this, the Statista R research team employed triangulation, combining secondary data from global sources and national datasets with primary data from university reports and data submissions to verify collected information.
    TIME Staff, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The collected data is sent to an app via Bluetooth, where it can be used to provide information on hormonal cycles and anxiety levels.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Noni juice is a tropical beverage prepared from fresh, ripe noni fruits.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Student reporters at PantherNOW, FIU’s student newspaper, have reported that as space is prioritized for freshmen and parts of University Apartments are prepared for demolition, more upperclassmen are being pushed off campus.
    Johane Saintil, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The doc was made over six years and comprised footage shot by Nico Ballesteros, to whom Ye gave seemingly complete access, letting the young stranger film him for more than half a decade.
    Anna Peele, Vanity Fair, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Signings aged between 25 and 28, generally considered a player’s peak years, comprised a third of spending this season, their highest share since 2018-19.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Prices in the metals market also calmed a bit following their own wild swings.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The game calmed down in the third quarter — in which the Bulls gave up a single turnover for zero points — but that reprieve didn’t last once the Heat caught their breath.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The best-selling book contained several bombshell revelations, many of which were related to Spears’ controversial conservatorship, which finally ended in 2021.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Fungi fossils preserved in the chert contained compounds from the breakdown of chitin and glucan, key structural molecules in fungi.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But Vonn, whose injury history is almost as long as her résumé, looked calm during training, coach Aksel Lund Svindal said Saturday.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
  • In court, Mickey grasps at straws, trying to clear his name, and in jail, the usually calm, cool and collected attorney is struggling to stay sane.
    Pamela Avila, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Perhaps, for example, Sullivan and Hafley would have drafted Pittsburgh defensive tackle Derrick Harmon instead of Grant.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026
  • In the summer of 1942 he was drafted into the Army.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Even the topical songs of the sixties folk movement constituted a revival, a reinvention of the Popular Front-style political art of the thirties and forties, for the waning years of McCarthyism.
    Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
  • None of which should be constituted as a failure.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Composed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composed. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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