Compose — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /kəm-ˈpōz/ com·pose

Meaning & Definition of Compose

Compose (verb)

  1. to form by putting together, fashion
  2. to form the substance of, constitute
  3. to produce (columns, pages of type, etc.) by composition

Compose (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to put (something) into proper and usually carefully worked out written form

    "composed a statement on this hot-button issue that managed to satisfy absolutely no one"

    similar: cast, craft, draft, draw up, formulate, frame, prepare, put together
    related: fabricate, fashion, form, mold, sculpture, shape, couch, express, phrase, state, verbalize, word, author, indite, pen, write, conceive, concoct, devise, build, construct, make, assemble, compound, piece (together), redraft, reformulate, reframe

  2. to be all the substance of

    "the earth's crust is composed of mostly silicon with several other elements in smaller amounts"

    similar: comprise, constitute, form, make up
    related: embody, epitomize, incarnate, incorporate, integrate, materialize, personify, substantiate, complement, complete, supplement, fill (out), flesh (out)

  3. to free from distress or disturbance

    "the first order of business was to compose the injured pedestrian"

    similar: becalm, calm, lull, lullaby, quiet, quieten (chiefly British), salve, settle, soothe, still, tranquilize
    related: appease, conciliate, hush, mollify, pacify, placate, allay, alleviate, assuage, ease, lay, mitigate, quell, relax, relieve, solace, narcotize, sedate, stupefy
    opposite: agitate, discompose, disquiet, disturb, key (up), perturb, upset, vex
    near: aggravate, heighten, intensify, arouse, excite, foment, incite, rouse, stir (up), work up

  4. to gain emotional or mental control of

    "she took a deep breath and composed herself"

    similar: calm, collect, contain, control, re-collect, settle
    related: hold back, restrain, rally, recover, lull, quiet, soothe, still, tranquilize

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Compose

The most common words with a similar meaning to Compose:

Chiefly British: quieten
cast, craft, draft, draw up, formulate, frame, prepare, comprise, constitute, form, make up, becalm, calm, lull, lullaby, quiet, salve, settle, soothe, still, tranquilize, collect, contain, control, re-collect, put together

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Compose

Words with the opposite meaning of Compose:

agitate, discompose, disquiet, disturb, key (up), perturb, upset, vex

Related Words for Compose

fabricate, fashion, mold, sculpture, shape, couch, express, phrase, state, verbalize, word, author, indite, pen, write, conceive, concoct, devise, build, construct, make, assemble, compound, piece (together), redraft, reformulate, reframe, embody, epitomize, incarnate

Near Antonyms of Compose

aggravate, heighten, intensify, arouse, excite, foment, incite, rouse, stir (up), work up

Word Forms of Compose

Inflections: composed, composing

Origin & Etymology of Compose

Middle English, from Anglo-French composer, from Latin componere (perfect indicative composui) compound

First known use: 15th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Compose

Frequently Asked Questions about Compose

What does "Compose" mean?

"Compose" means to form by putting together, fashion. As a verb, it is defined as: to form by putting together, fashion. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Compose"?

Other words for "Compose" include cast, craft, draft, draw up, formulate, frame, prepare and comprise. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Compose" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Compose"?

There are 90 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Compose". Common alternatives include cast, craft, draft, draw up, formulate, frame, prepare, comprise, constitute and form.

What is the opposite of "Compose"?

Antonyms of "Compose" include agitate, discompose, disquiet, disturb, key (up), perturb, upset and vex. Near antonyms include aggravate, heighten, intensify and arouse.

How do you use "Compose" in a sentence?

Examples of "Compose" in a sentence: "composed a statement on this hot-button issue that managed to satisfy absolutely no one"; "the earth's crust is composed of mostly silicon with several other elements in smaller amounts"; "the first order of business was to compose the injured pedestrian".

Is "Compose" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Compose" is a verb.

Is "Compose" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Compose" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Compose"?

"Compose" is pronounced /kəm-ˈpōz/ and divided into syllables as com·pose.