Sample Sentences for
compose
grouped by contextual meaning
(editor-reviewed)

compose as in:  compose a poem

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The assignment is to compose a poem.
compose = write
Show 3 more with this contextual meaning
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    I use an electronic keyboard to help compose music.
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    I couldn't copy her essays, and I lacked the factual and stylistic know-how to compose my own.  (source)
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    Homework — compose a poem about my defeat of the Wagga Wagga Werewolf!  (source)
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Show 10 more with 6 word variations
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    When Mama wasn't supplying the neighborhood with caps and baby dresses from her flying needles, she was composing cheery messages for shut-ins all over Haarlem.  (source)
    composing = writing
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    I hadn't realized that music could unlock things in you, could transport you to somewhere even the composer hadn't predicted.  (source)
    composer = someone who writes music
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    They'd been learning about composers in school, where despite his obvious stupidity, Rudy excelled.  (source)
    composers = people who write music
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    The poem Father composed for my birthday is too nice to keep to myself.  (source)
    composed = wrote
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    After any major battle, I liked to get a group photo—along with exclusive rights to compose epic ballads about their exploits.  (source)
    compose = write
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    Maybe he writes up here, composes bad poetry.  (source)
    composes = writes
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    They began composing debates for their characters.  (source)
    composing = writing
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    I feel wonder, I feel awe, like a composer first discovering the works of Mozart.†  (source)
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    And I remember once asking why the composers were all mundanes.†  (source)
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    Mrs. Grace Merriweather had composed an original pageant entitled Maycomb County: Ad Astra Per Aspera, and I was to be a ham.  (source)
    composed = written
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compose as in:  composed of many parts

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The United States is composed of 50 states.
composed = made up
Show 3 more with this contextual meaning
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    The group is composed of students who live in the same apartment building.
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    Not philosophers but fret-sawyers and stamp collectors compose the backbone of society.  (source)
    compose = make up
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    I found that I could not compose a female without again devoting several months to profound study and laborious disquisition.  (source)
    compose = create by arranging parts
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Show 10 more with 3 word variations
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    The ACT was composed of four sections: math, English, science and reading.  (source)
    composed = made up
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    The founders of the greater part of the families which now compose the aristocracy of Salem might here be traced...  (source)
    compose = make up
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    Second, the delegations composing the convention were either satisfied by the Constitution or they agreed to it because they felt it was important to sacrifice their private opinions and interests to the public good or they feared the consequences of delays or new experiments.  (source)
    composing = making up
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    That novel was composed of scratches on a page, dear.  (source)
    composed = made up
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    For thy undaunted mettle should compose Nothing but males.  (source)
    compose = create
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    Groves are typically composed of trees, rather than, say, Fudgsicles.  (source)
    composed = made up
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    Given the treacherous nature of the local topography (most of the cliffs that riddle the region are composed of Navajo sandstone, a crumbly stratum that erodes into smooth, bulging precipices) and Ruess's penchant for dangerous climbing, this is a credible scenario.  (source)
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    A new subculture was born, composed of the millions of people who now devoted every free moment of their lives to searching for Halliday's egg.  (source)
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    The city is ruled by a council of fifty people, composed entirely of representatives from Abnegation, because our faction is regarded as incorruptible, due to our commitment to selflessness.  (source)
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    They are one of the new regiments, composed almost entirely of young fellows just called up.  (source)
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compose as in:  compose myself

Show 3 more with this contextual meaning
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    Before entering the interview room, she took a few deep breaths to compose herself and steady his nerves.
    compose = calm
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    When she pulled up at her parents' house, she had to compose herself before she walked in.  (source)
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    He stopped, took a breath to compose himself.  (source)
    compose = calm or settle
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Show 10 more with 9 word variations
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    Several of these images show McCandless's belongings inside the derelict vehicle; as soon as Franz realizes what he's seeing, his eyes mist over, he thrusts the photos back at me without examining the rest, and the old man walks away to compose himself as I mumble a lame apology.  (source)
    compose = calm
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    She said, more composedly: "I don't think this place would be very agreeable in a storm."  (source)
    composedly = in a calm manner
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    He fastened on Eliza a keen penetrating stare that discomposed her.†  (source)
    standard prefix: The prefix "dis-" in discomposed reverses the meaning of composed. This is the same pattern as seen in words like disagree, disconnect, and disappear.
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    Chris laughed, then quickly composed his face.  (source)
    composed = settled or calmed
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    Song runs to the door, composes herself then turns towards Gallimard.†  (source)
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    This reply failed to discompose me, at least for the moment.†  (source)
    standard prefix: The prefix "dis-" in discompose reverses the meaning of compose. This is the same pattern as seen in words like disagree, disconnect, and disappear.
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    It was their turn to be alarmed next, for a large powerful animal came puffing with a curious whistling sound through the dense thicket of reeds, passing close by and sorely discomposing them by its sudden appearance.†  (source)
    standard prefix: The prefix "dis-" in discomposing reverses the meaning of composing. This is the same pattern as seen in words like disagree, disconnect, and disappear.
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    Mum shut her eyes for a moment, as if composing herself before she spoke.  (source)
    composing = calming or settling
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    They err very much, who think religion, or a strict morality discomposes the mind, and renders it unfit for conversation; for it rather inspires us to innocent mirth, without such a counterfeit joy as vitious men appear with; and indeed wit is as consistent with religion, as religion is with good manners; nor is there any thing in the limitation of virtue and religion that should abate the pleasures of this world, but on the contrary rather serves to increase them.†  (source)
    standard prefix: The prefix "dis-" in discomposes reverses the meaning of composures. This is the same pattern as seen in words like disagree, disconnect, and disappear.
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    With every camera gleefully trained on him, I have just enough time to release the small, choked sound in my throat and compose myself.  (source)
    compose = calm or settle
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