composition

noun

ˌkäm-pə-ˈzi-shən How to pronounce composition (audio)
Definition of compositionnext
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 Abercrombie, who was born in Texas in 1909 and grew up in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, is known for enigmatic, psychologically potent compositions of natural objects and mysterious figures rendered in a muted palette. — News Desk, Artforum, 2 Oct. 2026 The top half of the composition, which is related to Martínez Celaya’s family history, has been shown in small scale at the National Museum of Fine Arts in his native Cuba. — Jordan Riefe, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026 The amount of polarization can also reveal how big the rainbow-making raindrops are and possibly even their composition. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026 The composition of Congress will help determine the next president’s ability to advance legislation and address the concerns voters have identified as most pressing. — Katie Angell Britannica Editors Oct. 2, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for composition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for composition
  1. piece
  2. paper
  3. layout
  4. article
  5. work
  6. essay
  7. design
  8. masterpiece
Noun
  • Current quality checks are efficient at detecting simple genetic changes, such as an altered DNA letter or a small piece of DNA that has been removed or added.
    — Euan Ashley, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
  • NFTs—unique, transferable records on a blockchain, often linked through metadata to a digital image, animation, or piece of code—were established as stand-alone value units on Ethereum in 2018 and subsequently traded as digital art.
    — Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of piece
Noun
  • He was arrested in Baltimore in March 2025 after picking up his then-5-year-old son, who has autism and other disabilities, from his grandmother's house, according to court papers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • That paper, called EquiOx, was intended to help researchers understand why pulse oximeters overestimated blood oxygen levels in patients with darker skin tones.
    — Anil Oza, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of paper
Noun
  • Drivers knew the back entrances, the factory layouts, and the best path to the boss of a mom-and-pop workshop.
    — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Independent has become known for its distinctive layout, which emphasized flow over the boxy booths that typify these commercial trade shows.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of layout
Noun
  • Information for this article was contributed by Chinedu Asadu of The Associated Press.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • An article published by the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends operating below maximum capacity to leave room in provider schedules for last-minute patients and emergencies.
    — Ajay Prasad, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of article
Noun
  • Designed for ranch work and rugged driving, the Terra pickup features green paint, 37-inch tires on 18-inch wheels, heavy-duty side steps, a front bull bar, a roof basket with lights, and expanded cargo-bed storage.
    — Chase Jordan October 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Oct. 2026
  • But early mornings and after-work hours tend to be the busiest times.
    — TIME Staff, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of work
Noun
  • She is aided by the subsequent coverage of the online backlash to her essay, including the opinion pieces by Craven and Davidson.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The book features essays by, or conversations with, musicians about the albums that had a huge influence on them, but may otherwise be underrated or unknown.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of essay
Noun
  • The bones are there (floors, square footage, no heinous design details).
    — Nora Deligter, Curbed, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The proposition is to connect China’s factories with its creator economy; Black Lake’s agents bridge the gap by converting ideas into designs, a 3D simulation, and industrial data sent to a factory.
    — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of design
Noun
  • This Victoria Falls masterpiece is, as its name suggests, modeled on the rich colors of one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, which sits on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe where the Zambezi River plunges over a basalt cliff.
    — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Today's Walmart Deals of the Day feature epic discounts on high-performance audio gear to make your daily routine a musical masterpiece.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of masterpiece

Browse Nearby Words

compositing
composition
compositions
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Cite this Entry

“Composition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/composition. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on composition

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about composition

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