composed

adjective

com·​posed kəm-ˈpōzd How to pronounce composed (audio)
: free from agitation : calm
especially : self-possessed
They tried to remain composed throughout the ordeal.
composedly adverb
composedness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for composed

cool, composed, collected, unruffled, imperturbable, nonchalant mean free from agitation or excitement.

cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.

kept a cool head

composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.

the composed pianist gave a flawless concert

collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.

the nurse stayed calm and collected

unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement.

harried but unruffled

imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.

the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling

nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.

a nonchalant driver

Examples of composed in a Sentence

He had told us he felt nervous about the performance, but he seemed perfectly composed when he walked onto the stage. They tried to remain composed throughout the ordeal.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This leader knows when to lean in, signaling approachability, and when to maintain a composed silence, showcasing quiet confidence. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Stay composed and resilient with empathy, which should help ease tension in the room. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 In a star-making performance, Pierre is terrific as a man with a particular skill set thrumming below his composed, placid surface. Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2024 After all, pain demands the kinds of human expression that are the most spontaneous and the least composed: grunts, cries, pleas for help. Walt Hunter, The Atlantic, 3 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for composed 

Word History

Etymology

see compose

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of composed was in 1607

Dictionary Entries Near composed

Cite this Entry

“Composed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/composed. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

composed

adjective
com·​posed kəm-ˈpōzd How to pronounce composed (audio)
: being calm and in control : self-possessed
composedly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on composed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!