1
as in piece
a literary, musical, or artistic production the compositions of Michelangelo include the dome of St. Peter's, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and his monumental statue of David

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2
as in paper
a short piece of writing done as a school exercise a teacher who is fond of having her class write compositions

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3
as in layout
the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged student photographers learn the importance of composition in creating striking images

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4
as in article
a short piece of writing typically expressing a point of view submitted a composition to the local newspaper for its special section marking Martin Luther King Day

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of composition The Grammy-winning singer draws on her more than 50 albums of folk, rock, show tunes, standards and original compositions. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2025 The use of ostrich and alligator leather straps in muted grey tones helps ground the otherwise eye-catching compositions. Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 The ratio of member composition of the acts entered in MAJ is highest for groups (37%), followed by bands (27%) and solo artists (26%). Billboard Japan, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2025 Along with its solid composition, the foldable design makes this tiny house portable. Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for composition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composition
Noun
  • Mazzoli created a lush score that was alternately sweeping or intimate, sensuous or mystical, yet with a distinctive sound that was her own weaving a thread through the piece.
    Janelle Gelfand, Cincinnati.com, 19 July 2017
  • This is why the war stories of Tom Clancy are such convincing and moving pieces of fiction.
    Janine Barchas, Washington Post, 18 July 2017
Noun
  • According to the court records, the plaintiff's lawyers still have to serve legal papers on Donald Trump's parent company, the Trump Organization.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
  • At the end of his postgame availability, James crumpled up the paper and shot it into a nearby garbage can.
    Jovan Buha, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Some games won't be compatible, but that will likely be a short list dependent upon the original Joy-Cons' layout and features.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The food, the layout and the rise of women’s sports means Tom’s draws about half women these days, better than a typical watering hole.
    Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Related article How to build supertall: Designers of the world’s tallest towers share their secrets Steinway Tower, or 111 West 57th Street, was completed in 2022 on the site once occupied by the historic Steinway & Sons piano company.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025
  • According to an April 2 article from Kotaku, over 120 games have some type of compatibility issue or won’t start up at all.
    Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • After the equivalent of four days of work, the stadium was ready for the new tenant.
    Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The scene will portray oil workers getting in their trucks and heading to work, thus a dirty vehicle is a must.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This requires accelerating the entire application timeline—finalizing college lists by spring of junior year, completing main essays over the summer, and preparing application materials for early deadlines.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Ozturk, a Turkish Ph.D. student, co-authored an opinion essay in 2024 criticizing Tufts University's ties to companies linked to Israel.
    Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Conspicuously anglo human characters resemble the generic design often seen in low-rent CG fare produced overseas: large heads with pristine skin and pronounced facial features.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • And in another first for Netflix, the design of the thronglet characters from the game actually inspired the creatures in the episode itself.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The destination’s popularity is no surprise, really—Ciudad de México (CDMX) is one of the world’s greatest epicenters of culture, with architectural masterpieces, innovative cuisine, and a lively art scene that all contribute to the capital’s rich history.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Typically following retro design cues, many of Hazan's masterpieces are more at home in an art gallery than on the street alongside commuters – with some bikes going for as much as US$125,000.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Composition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composition. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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