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Definitions

compose

[kuhm-pohz] / kəmˈpoʊz /
VERB
be part of construction
Synonyms
STRONGEST
belong to build comprise consist of constitute construct form
STRONG
compound fashion make
WEAK
be an adjunct be an element of be made of enter in go into make up merge in
Antonyms
STRONGEST
break demolish destroy dismantle raze ruin
WEAK
agitate anger arouse disarrange disperse distress excite scatter upset
VERB
create writing, artwork, or music
Synonyms
STRONGEST
conceive design devise form invent orchestrate pen produce set up write
STRONG
author cast contrive discover fabricate forge formulate frame ghost ghostwrite imagine indite originate poetize score scribble script time
WEAK
bang out clef coin a phrase comp cook up draw up dream up fudge together knock off knock out make up note down push pencil put down put pen to paper set type turn out whip up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
destroy disorganize ruin
STRONG
demolish lose wreck
WEAK
agitate anger arouse disarrange disperse distress excite scatter upset
VERB
calm, bring under control
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arrange collect contain
STRONG
adjust allay appease assuage becalm check comfort console control cool ease lessen lull mitigate moderate modulate pacify placate quell quiet reconcile regulate rein relax repress resolve restrain settle slacken smother soften solace soothe still suppress temper tranquilize
WEAK
balm ease up hold in let up re-collect simmer down tune down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disperse scatter
STRONG
aggravate agitate allow annoy confuse disorganize distress disturb excite free hurt incite increase intensify irritate let go liberate move permit provoke release trouble upset vex worry worsen
WEAK
anger arouse destroy disarrange ruin

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This routine begins to unravel into a quest for identity and existential meaning when Y is hired to compose a new patriotic anthem.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

A simple email took an hour to compose.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

Giving evidence in court on Wednesday, her son initially struggled to compose himself, holding back tears as he complained of being "hassled" by the press since he was three years old.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

Why did prisoners, many awaiting certain death, compose so much music?

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

Josquin was asked to compose something in this friend’s memory, to be performed by the Ferrara Chapel Choir and quite possibly the duke himself in the role of tenor.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall

Vocabulary lists containing compose

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 5

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List 5

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