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

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
To address this, the Statista R research team employed triangulation, combining secondary data from global sources and national datasets with primary data from university reports and data submissions to verify collected information. Time Staff, Time, 28 Jan. 2026 The collected data is sent to an app via Bluetooth, where it can be used to provide information on hormonal cycles and anxiety levels. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
Not all of these telemetry features are new in themselves, but the sheer volume of data being collected and surfaced in a single, friendly UI is a boon to IT departments. John Burek, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026 But the records collected by the attorneys general indicate the plan proceeded. Conrad Wilson, ProPublica, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for collected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collected
Adjective
  • What caught my attention, however, beyond the lip-syncing and costume changes, was the family opposite me: the mother neat and composed, father in golf-course polo and chinos, two thirty-something sons cheering alongside a girlfriend who would not look out of place on a pageant stage.
    Sophie Morgan, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Before Tuesday night, Konate had looked much more composed and commanding.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The indoor sports arena idea comes shortly after the commissioners reviewed a tourism master plan that contained ideas for how to increase the county’s visibility as an attractive destination.
    Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
  • At the time, Schuette was found with a smartphone that contained more than 1,200 images of child pornography.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In 73 career regular-season games with the Sirens and Ottawa Charge, Roese has accumulated 25 points (3 goals, 22 assists).
    Twin Cities, Twin Cities, 31 Mar. 2026
  • By measuring how much radiocarbon had accumulated in those proteins, researchers could estimate how long each shark had been alive.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The numbers were compiled by UDisc, a disc golf app that helps players find courses and course information in their area or nationwide.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
  • In fact, more Republicans are retiring ahead of the midterms than at any point in nearly a century, according to an ABC News tally of retirement announcements and a review of historical data since 1930 compiled by the Brookings Institution.
    Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • For now, the LS6 will appear only in the Corvette, the engines for which will be built in Flint, Michigan—not GM’s Tonawanda facility, where the current LT2 is assembled alongside the company’s small-block L84 and L87 truck engines.
    Byron Hurd, The Drive, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The formation assembled 394 feet above the river and depicted some of the world’s most iconic TV shows, sports, and movies, including Harry Potter, Batman, Superman, Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and The White Lotus.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Jamaica born About a hundred people gathered to lay Wilson to rest, singing, crying and laughing while remembering his kind heart, his hard work and his famous barbecue ribs and chicken wings.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Ka'mardre Coleman remembered Students and family of Ka'mardre Coleman gathered in the high school's courtyard with flowers, balloons and candles.
    Adi Guajardo, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The beach is flat–just right for soccer or throwing a football–and the water is usually fairly calm and great for taking out a standup paddleboard or a surfboard.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The mix of calm bordeaux and vibrant green makes for interesting styling indeed.
    Jana Ackermann, Glamour, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • His videos have amassed millions of views on social media.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026
  • But, as has been widely discussed, putting US boots on the ground would carry enormous risks, not least because possible ground operations have been telegraphed by Washington for weeks, while apparently unprepared US forces scattered across the world have been slowly amassed.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Collected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collected. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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