compositions

Definition of compositionsnext
plural of composition
1
as in works
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 articles
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 layouts
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 essays
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 compositions In addition to Churchill Grounds and Clave, the center will host a music academy and a recording studio named Koolbonga Studios, named in honor of one of Williams’ most famous jazz compositions. Mike Jordan, AJC.com, 2 Apr. 2026 The collection merges advanced material engineering with innovative fiber compositions and a refined design language, offering a new perspective on how denim can evolve—both technically and aesthetically. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2026 The neutrality of the white cube gives way to an immersive installation dominated by shades of red—threads suspended from the ceiling, woven into sculptural forms, draped across surfaces and layered into dense, tactile compositions. Olga Garcia-Mayoral, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026 Rothschild has already moved on to growing her fungi with synthetic dirts that mimic lunar and Martian mineral compositions. Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026 Throughout their discography, Irreversible Entanglements have seamlessly incorporated electronic elements such as synthesizers and modern postproduction into many of their compositions, which primarily feature otherwise organic instrumentation and textures. Steve Donofrio, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026 Numinous plein-air compositions, showing the patients around the institution’s grounds, assert the irresistible force of nature. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026 Zoltán Kodály and Béla Bartók traveled around countrysides collecting tunes to be turned into piano, violin and orchestral compositions. Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026 Songwriting That Crossed Genre Lines Beyond his performing career, Bowman was an accomplished songwriter whose compositions reached some of country music’s biggest stars. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compositions
Noun
  • The museum has the world’s largest collection of paintings by Kandinsky, plus works by Picasso, Klee, Miró, and more.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Not every author is so concerned by how their works are reimagined.
    Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Finalizing tweaks and settings, such as enabling AI features and creating knowledge base articles, took several hours, which is about average.
    John Brandon, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Seven articles and ten amendments follow.
    Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • These renovations would update electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems; change classroom layouts; and increase accessibility at Fairmount, Procter and Korte elementaries.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Studio, one-bed and two-bed layouts are included.
    Mark Dee March 27, Idaho Statesman, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Her essays are written with humor and insight.
    Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Her essays and criticism have appeared in the New York Times, New York Magazine, The Atlantic, Vanity Fair, Esquire, The New Republic, and more.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • More recently, Indigenous peoples such as the Chumash and the Yokuts used asphalt to make face paint, game pieces, glue, and waterproofing caulk for boats and baskets.
    Jeffrey Marlow, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Wear your bulkiest pieces on the plane A puffy parka or clunky pair of boots can take up a solid chunk of suitcase space.
    Hannah Chubb, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • No folder of papers could be left blank.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 30 Mar. 2026
  • In 1916-17, de Sitter published three papers exploring relativity’s possibilities.
    Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • They're juxtaposed with quirky contemporary designs, like a brass-and-zinc coffee table by French-Serbian artist Marko and Edoardo Lietti’s Sedia Tonda chair, which recalls the cut-outs of the screens throughout.
    Amy Bradford, Architectural Digest, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Each faction packs completely different units and building designs and strategies, so even if one of your favorites hasn't been included, expect a deep and flexible take on RTS warfare.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Often, this is a useful guideline, and limits, in general, are very much the friend of the fiction writer, but there are certain stories that benefit from a sense of instability.
    Nina Mesfin, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
  • As is common in the policing profession, officers and supervisors sometimes share experiences and stories for a variety of reasons.
    Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compositions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compositions. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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