composed

adjective com·posed \ kəm-ˈpōzd \

Updated on: 8 Dec 2017

Definition of composed

: free from agitation : calm; especially : self-possessed

They tried to remain composed throughout the ordeal.

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composedly

play \kəm-ˈpō-zəd-lē\ adverb

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composedness

play \kəm-ˈpō-zəd-nəs\ noun

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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 of composed from the Web

Ramsey passed for 321 yards, completed 78 percent of his passes and, one interception aside, looked composed and in control.

— zach osterman, The Courier-Journal, "Insider: IU football dominates Charleston Southern — like it should — now the real fun starts," 7 Oct. 2017
Despite his stomach churning, even with the team’s X’s-and-O’s schemes still new to him, the rail-thin rookie nonetheless looked composed and confident as his Orlando Magic lost to the Memphis Grizzlies 92-84 in Memphis, Tenn.

— josh robbins, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Magic try to keep expectations realistic for rookie Jonathan Isaac," 3 Oct. 2017
Singh, who is not a Muslim, but Sikh, was praised for his composed response.

— casey quackenbush, Time, "Jagmeet Singh Becomes First Non-White Politician to Lead Major Canadian Political Party," 1 Oct. 2017
When watching your child perform under pressure, remind yourself to be the parent, stay composed, and communicate support for your child.

— Philly.com, "3 steps to becoming a better sports parent for your child," 25 Sep. 2017
There were kids of all ages, but the one who drew my attention was the chap-wearing electrician's daughter, who somehow seemed both more composed and younger than her 14 years.

— jill gleeson, Woman's Day, "Why Every Woman Should Take a Trip That Lets Her Relive Childhood," 15 Sep. 2017
His calm, composed and loving message to his wife allows listeners to intimately reflect on those whose lives were taken that day.

— jason duaine hahn, PEOPLE.com, "Final Words of a United Flight 175 Passenger to His Wife on 9/11 Will Live on in Powerful Recording," 11 Sep. 2017
Body roll is well controlled, and even in aggressive maneuvers, the CTS remains composed and unruffled.

— drew dorian, Car and Driver, "2017 Cadillac CTS," 9 Oct. 2017
But Atlanta remained composed and drove 35 yards in nine plays, milking nearly five minutes of the clock and forcing Green Bay to use all three of its timeouts.

— tim rohan, SI.com, "Falcons the Clear Team to Beat in the NFC After Dominant Win Over Packers," 18 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'composed.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of composed

see compose

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First Known Use: 1607

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composed Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of composed

cool, composed, collected, unruffled, imperturbable, nonchalant mean free from agitation or excitement. cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.