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
The robot will vacuum oil from the water’s surface, return to its base station to discharge the collected oil, and then redeploy to the spill site. Ben Coxworth march 10, New Atlas, 10 Mar. 2026 The collected data is then analyzed by an outside statistician before the report is issued. Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
Gilgo Beach killer Rex Heuermann, who admitted to killing eight women between 1993 and 2010, pleaded guilty earlier this month after his defense failed to overcome groundbreaking DNA evidence collected from rootless hair samples. Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026 The Herald collected state data that show how nearly 95% of elders removed from their homes for their own welfare never appear before a judge or speak with an attorney. Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for collected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collected
Adjective
  • McIlroy overcame some early inconsistency to put together a composed round, while Burns leaned on excellent ball-striking to match him at the top.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Before Tuesday night, Konate had looked much more composed and commanding.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The scientists found both were composed of a fibrous material that contained many stinging cells called spirocysts, which belong exclusively to the branch of aquatic invertebrates known as cnidarians.
    Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Firefighters in northern Colorado contained a small wildfire burning near Horsetooth Reservoir west of Fort Collins on Thursday night and lifted evacuation orders east of the reservoir.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As people returned from their Earth Week effort to clear trash accumulated over the winter from Waukegan Municipal Beach on Saturday, two were lugging large rusted pieces of steel.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Neither of the engines was damaged during the 470 seconds of hot firing accumulated during the tests.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
    Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
    Chadd Cripe. Produced with AI assistance, Idaho Statesman, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Cast was assembled by Stefanie Seifer, Hailey Giles and Chiara Marini of Spark Casting.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Interiors feel assembled over time rather than styled in a single sweep.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • On April 9, its last off day before a 17-game stretch, the unit gathered at a steakhouse in Milwaukee.
    Danielle Allentuck, Washington Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Aired already on primetime VRT and at the same time on VRT MAX, the broadcaster’s online platform, the series was well-received by the audience and gathered both news attention and a great word-of-mouth, with good completion rates and high talk value.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Lead with calm confidence, but keep your claims grounded.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026
  • His elite pass protection and calm feet mean he can be trusted immediately to keep the quarterback clean on passing downs, while also providing a high-effort presence on special teams.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Both had amassed more than 100 points and scored goals for fun.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Ding, a Princeton University graduate, currently has a 30 (and counting) game streak and has amassed over $800,000 in winnings so far as of April 24.
    Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Collected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collected. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

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