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
That changed in 2018, when the Council passed Helen Rosenthal’s bill encouraging New Yorkers to report idling violations by requiring the city to publicize the process and pay them 25% of any collected fines for their efforts. — Chris Hartmann, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026 There is a music room with an upright piano, wind-up gramophone and the collected lyrics of Bob Dylan—a perfect touch for the pop star. — Ruchira Sharma, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 June 2026
Verb
The film, backed by filmmaker Hansal Mehta, had already collected the Songwon Vision Audience Award for an Asian title the previous evening. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026 Staplcotn and Plains Cotton Cooperative Association collected the data. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for collected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collected
Adjective
  • The British singer, 27, composed and co-wrote the lyrics with Bastian Langebæk and Max Wolfgang, according to the song credits on Spotify.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The Emma style, a more composed and sensible block-heel pump, is for Elinor (Edgar-Jones).
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The papers are said to have contained highly sensitive information, some likely supplied by Germany’s intelligence partners – so the affair could have serious international ramifications at a time when Europe is facing grave security threats.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Failure by itself did not create an advantage, but previous performance still contained useful information about what a founder might do next.
    — Bernardo Saraiva, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The video went up a week ago and has accumulated more than 9,000 likes, 300 shares, and 72 comments.
    — Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Across her career, Crow has accumulated 19 Billboard Hot 100 hits, including four top 10s.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The index is a weighted sum of six sub-indices that are derived from Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) data, PMI comments trackers and PMI commodity price and supply indicators that are compiled by S&P Global.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • By capturing these songs with old field recorders, Matsson gives them the feel of something compiled by Harry Smith.
    — David Harris, SPIN, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In one of those roles, the chair assembled a formal transition committee that met with me throughout my first six months.
    — Anna Maria Chavez, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Kim assembled a nine-person team, including an animation art director and a music director.
    — Ophélie Surcouf, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Most of the furniture comes from the owner’s personal collection, gathered over the course of a lifetime from visits to flea markets all over Europe.
    — Julia Wytrazek, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Dabrowski’s favorite moment came outside the livestream of the Telfar event from New York, where young Parisians gathered in a spirit of community, dressing with individuality rather than for the cameras.
    — Alex Badia, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Clear skies and calm winds will help temperatures drop into the mid- to upper 30s by early Saturday, forecasters said.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Methanol masers have previously been detected in planet-forming disks around turbulent high-mass protostars, but COMPASS’ observations are the first detection of them around calmer lower-mass protostars.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • As the hurricane nears the shore, strong winds push that amassed water toward the coast.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The former has amassed more than six million views on YouTube, with the latter surpassing two million.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Collected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collected. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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