composed 1 of 2

composed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of compose
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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

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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

Examples of composed in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The lineup of Greek wines is massive but the food menu (Greek with a global flair) is more tightly composed and changes every week. Chadner Navarro, Vogue, 30 July 2024 Titmus is graceful and composed, in contrast to her almost-as-famous coach, Dean Boxall, who gained notoriety during the Tokyo Games for his maniacal, fist-pumping, hips-thrusting celebrations of Titmus’s victories. Dave Sheinin, Washington Post, 27 July 2024 Manage your own stress and reactions to model calm and composed behavior in front of your children. Melissa Willets, Parents, 29 June 2024 The frames still manage to feel highly composed, as if the actors have been blocked to within an inch of their lives; Glazer has clearly boned up on his Haneke. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for composed 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composed
Adjective
  • Also, finding one-of-a-kind art at the thrift is a great way to give a personal, collected look to your space.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2024
  • Since there are so few walls, surfaces and pieces of furniture in the intimate place, every single element was carefully considered to feel layered in a collected vintage style inspired in part by Vowels’s grandmother.
    Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • But if in one moment all was calm, in the next everything changed.
    Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2024
  • My dad is this like calm, sweet, empathetic man and Happy is a little bit high strung.
    Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 26 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • It might be best known for its summertime seaside villas but the coastline also makes for the perfect winter getaway for those looking for somewhere quiet and serene to appreciate the snow.
    Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
  • At Shingle Creek, just outside Kissimmee, a peaceful paddle at the headwaters of the Everglades often results in spotting these serene creatures gliding through the water.
    Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Special counsel Jack Smith led a federal investigation that resulted in Trump being charged with taking part in a scheme to interfere with the peaceful transfer of power.
    James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024
  • From $415 per night. BOOK NOW Unique Getaway in Epsom, New Hampshire This tiny, pet-friendly oasis is one of Postcard Cabins’ abodes nestled alongside a running creek in a peaceful forest.
    Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • The two-hour runtime and slow boil storytelling make the full unveiling of Linda Blair’s possessed, demonic Regan all the more devastating, providing a horror monster whose salvation is all too easy to root for.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2024
  • Blair, who played the possessed main character, reportedly faced backlash for playing the role.
    Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near composed

Cite this Entry

“Composed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composed. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on composed

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