collected 1 of 2

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
Talking dogs, strange vehicles, conspiracy theories, stupid acronyms: life imitates cult fiction, apparently, and somewhere along the line our reality started to resemble, with uncanny specificity, the collected works of Thomas Pynchon. Book Marks september 25, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025 Overall, the collected plant evidence shows that the area was humid and forested when the dinosaurs roamed. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
It’s based on data collected by Norton’s engineers, who analyzed 18,500 miles (30,000 km) of real-world riding telemetry to understand how most riders actually ride their motorcycles in general conditions. New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2025 Victor Wembanyama scored nine points on 4-of-14 shooting from the field, collected nine rebounds and blocked four shots. Josh Robbins, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for collected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collected
Adjective
  • Senne Lammens continuing his composed start to his United career could at least counteract those types of chances for Brighton, while Amorim’s defenders will need to be astute to the movement of Hurzeler’s front-line.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Only on particularly bumpy tarmac did the GTS-spec suspension become too jarring with the adaptive dampers stiffened up in sport mode, but switching them to normal offered the best of both worlds—excellent, composed body control and tuning that ironed out imperfections remarkably well.
    Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire has been fully contained.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The blaze is now contained, but a shelter-in-place order remains in effect for the area around the airport.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Indeed, like his counterparts, Solomon isn’t necessarily worried about the value of the debt America has accumulated, but rather its debt-to-GDP ratio.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Cochrane, who also had an interception from his linebacker position in the game, has accumulated three special teams flags this season.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That’s based on data compiled by Cambridge Mobile Telematics, which provides driving information to auto insurers, and contextualized by Insurify, which has a website for comparing insurance quotes.
    Eric D. Lawrence, Freep.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Milwaukee Athletic Club has compiled overdue state sales tax payments totaling more than $200,000 − but its board president says the private club is financially healthy.
    Tom Daykin, jsonline.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • It is considered one of the greatest offenses ever assembled, as Durant joined forces with sharpshooters Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.
    Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Key producer Sonia Friedman, working with StudioCanal and Eliza Lumley Productions on behalf of Universal Music UK, has assembled an award-winning team to collaborate with Sheppard, Kane and Pye.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The attendees—thirty- and forty-somethings who are members of the bank’s Private Wealth Management (PWM) division, which boasts an average account size of over $75 million—gathered to hash out their anxiety and excitement.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
  • About 200 protesters gathered near a park near Aston Villa Park’s Trinity Road stand.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • With over 20 years of experience, Melissa has helped families transform chaos into calm using compassion, clarity, and proven behavioral strategies.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Peak season is over, meaning the crowds are gone, the water feels calmer, the restaurants are more enjoyable, and the sunsets last just a little bit longer.
    Gabi De la Rosa, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Thiago Magalhaes amassed over 200 yards and three touchdowns for Whitman-Hanson in a 34-13 win over New Bedford.
    Tyler McManus, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said earlier this week that Russia had amassed some 170,000 troops in the region to bolster the Pokrovsk offensive.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Collected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collected. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

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