self-possessed

adjective

self-pos·​sessed ˌself-pə-ˈzest 

also -ˈsest

: having or showing self-possession : composed in mind or manner : calm

self-possessedly

ˌself-pə-ˈze-səd-lē 

-ˈse-;

-ˈzest-lē, 

-ˈsest-

adverb

Synonyms of self-possessed

• calm
• serene
• peaceful
• composed
• collected
• possessed
• tranquil

Examples of self-possessed in a Sentence

a supremely self-possessed teacher who could handle any crisis

Recent Examples on the Web

The spectacle of a powerful, disruptive woman changed into the spectacle of a woman running, crying and screaming, and the woman isn’t self-possessed in beautiful makeup and clothing but falling down in the mud. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

My grandmother was by all accounts emotionally self-aware, charitable towards others and extraordinarily self-possessed. — Phong Nguyen, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026

In person, Rowbottom is striking — tall, platinum blond, soft-spoken — though less imposing than carefully self-possessed. — Mariella Rudi, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026

Conversely, maybe the fact that their songs, while impressively self-possessed, weren’t directly confrontational has kept them from being counted as forebears to the feminist punks who would come after. — Marissa Lorusso, Pitchfork, 3 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-possessed

• abreast
• accessed
• addressed
• appressed
• armrest
• arrest
• assessed
• attest
• backrest
• behest
• bequest
• caressed

Kids Definition

self-possessed

adjective

self-pos·​sessed

ˌself-pə-ˈzest

: having or showing self-possession : calm