What is a synonym of “compose”?

Some synonyms and near synonyms of the verb compose (meaning “to make up”) are:

  • Constitute
  • Embody
  • Form
  • Make up

People increasingly use “comprise” as a synonym of “compose.” However, this is normally still seen as a mistake, and we recommend avoiding it in your academic writing. “Comprise” traditionally means “to be made up of,” not “to make up.”