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
The answers collected will help with the writing of a second report by the group, due out in several months. Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026 Forward Mohamed Wague collected a game-high 13 rebounds. American Statesman Sports Desk, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for collected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collected
Adjective
  • At the same time, his tech-entrepreneur client—a longtime friend who also recently decamped from the West Coast—asked that the 2,063-square-foot bachelor pad function as a refuge: plush, composed, and calm in the middle of the city.
    Ian Volner, Architectural Digest, 26 Feb. 2026
  • And so Ekman-Larsson elevated his game and played some of the most physical and composed hockey of his career as the Leafs stumbled.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The oldest ice contained in Weißseespitze dates back roughly 6,000 years to the mid-Holocene, a warm period following the close of the last global ice age.
    Nidhi Sharma, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The object, which also contained nuts and bolts, extinguished itself without harming anyone.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The group charted on the Billboard Artist 100, Billboard 200 and Hot 100, and accumulated streaming milestones across Spotify, iTunes and YouTube.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The group accumulated streaming milestones across Spotify, iTunes and YouTube, and became the fastest K-pop act to reach one billion streams on Spotify.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Paktyawal is the 12th person to die in 2026, according to agency information compiled by Reuters.
    Aarón Torres, Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Tagovailoa compiled a 44-32 record during six seasons as the Dolphins’ starting quarterback.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Ahead of the festival, which kicks off Thursday, the De Los team has assembled a list of acts that have caught our attention.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The Summit found a willing partner in the city of Centennial for its training facility and for the temporary stadium, the parts of which were shipped from China and are being assembled on the site.
    Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Buzelis didn’t blink at the top of the second quarter as James gathered the ball in one hand to scan the offense from inside the arc.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The Board of Elections gathered Friday for its canvass, a final review and certification of the county’s election results.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • August 23 – September 22 Clear agreements start with calm words.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2026
  • On top of the pool and beach, where the sea is calm and swimmable, the resort has an incredibly engaging kids program called Nature Discovery, where older kids can go sailing and mountain biking while younger kids can learn to sail and take kitesurfing lessons.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Nikola Jokic amassed 24 points, 16 rebounds, 14 assists and five steals.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Linas has filed dozens of public records requests about herbicide usage in local creeks and posted the findings on Creek Team OC’s Instagram page, which has amassed more than 8,000 followers since early February.
    Claire Wang, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Collected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collected. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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