collected 1 of 2

Definition of collectednext

collected

2 of 2

verb

past tense of collect
1
as in contained
to gain emotional or mental control of applicants should collect their thoughts while waiting to be interviewed

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in accumulated
to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass dust has been collecting under my bed for years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in compiled
to bring together from several sources into a single volume or list collected the author's early short stories, which were originally published in several obscure sci-fi magazines

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5

Synonym Chooser

How is the word collected different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of collected are composed, cool, imperturbable, nonchalant, and unruffled. While all these words mean "free from agitation or excitement," collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.

the nurse stayed calm and collected

When is it sensible to use composed instead of collected?

The synonyms composed and collected are sometimes interchangeable, but composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.

the composed pianist gave a flawless concert

In what contexts can cool take the place of collected?

In some situations, the words cool and collected are roughly equivalent. However, cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.

kept a cool head

When could imperturbable be used to replace collected?

The meanings of imperturbable and collected largely overlap; however, imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.

the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling

When is nonchalant a more appropriate choice than collected?

The words nonchalant and collected are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.

a nonchalant driver

When would unruffled be a good substitute for collected?

The words unruffled and collected can be used in similar contexts, but unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement.

harried but unruffled

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 collected
Adjective
They are obligated to buy the underlying stock at that put's strike price in exchange for the collected premium. Oliver Renick, CNBC, 19 May 2026 Think of it as the opposite of a collected home and instead one that could have come out of the buzziest show room’s new catalog. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
But much of the data collected by public agencies—things like employment or housing statistics, or business registrations—don’t meet this threshold. Leonard Lim, Fortune, 10 June 2026 And what are some of the examples of data points on shoe styles that are collected? Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for collected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collected
Adjective
  • In contrast, composed framing of his loyal squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), underlines a different emotion.
    Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
  • Ground clearance still limits ambitions for serious green-laning, but across steep inclines, deeply rutted tracks, and surprisingly deep water crossings, the Jaecoo 8 remained composed and unbothered.
    Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Firefighters contained all four fires reported in the area, and no structures were damaged and no injuries were reported.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
  • The fire, which grew to 18,379 acres, is now fully contained.
    Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • For example, older homeowners who purchased their properties years ago may have accumulated significant equity through a combination of mortgage payments and rising home values, giving them access to larger borrowing amounts.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 16 June 2026
  • Yet some of the world’s most significant scientific and medical sites have accumulated ghost stories, conspiracy theories, and paranormal legends of their own.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • And despite a timid political opening that has allowed the return of several opposition leaders and the emergence of others from hiding, over 400 political prisoners remain in custody as of May 25, according to figures compiled by the NGO Foro Penal.
    Alfredo Meza, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • The report compiled by the Star-Telegram contains data from May 31 through June 6 and 96 inspections.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Across a 90-foot wall at the Orlando Museum of Art, Tommerup assembled three monumental pyramids built from canvases dragged through the ocean and Biscayne Bay, dried in flowering trees and tossed from rooftops at dusk, surrendering part of the creative process to nature itself.
    Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
  • Yngen, now 71, has assembled a younger team of co-founders to scale the business, including chief executive Emil Clase.
    Heather Farmbrough, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Three hours later, after a burst of activity over the agency’s radio transmissions, another team, including agents from Florida and Texas, gathered around a residence, hoping to make an arrest and trying to determine whether their target was home.
    Gabe Gutierrez, NBC news, 11 Dec. 2025
  • Kim gave fans a glimpse into her graduation ceremony as her closest friends and family gathered to celebrate the milestone in her legal journey.
    Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Cloudy, rushing waters in the spring give way to calmer, clear flows in the summer.
    Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 7 July 2025
  • While black bear attacks are rare, if encountered, individuals should remain calm, avoid eye contact, and slowly back away.
    Jared Goffinet, The Enquirer, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • The adventure content creator had amassed more than 320,000 followers on Facebook, while some of his reels garnered millions of views.
    Drew Pittock, USA Today, 15 June 2026
  • Brown amassed a 107-88 record over two-plus seasons with the Kings, joining Rick Adelman as the only coaches in the Sacramento era to post a winning record.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Collected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collected. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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