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
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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
They are obligated to buy the underlying stock at that put's strike price in exchange for the collected premium. Oliver Renick, CNBC, 19 May 2026 Think of it as the opposite of a collected home and instead one that could have come out of the buzziest show room’s new catalog. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
Meanwhile, in the colonies, Washington and the Continental Army struggled without the same trove of cartographic knowledge their enemy had collected over the previous decades. April White, JSTOR Daily, 17 June 2026 Days later, a dead American crow collected in East Sacramento tested positive for the virus. Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for collected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collected
Adjective
  • While uniform cubes are suited for an elegant, composed presentation, torn croutons are a humble upgrade for nearly everything else where a little contrast is welcome.
    Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026
  • In contrast, composed framing of his loyal squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), underlines a different emotion.
    Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Data centers are contained in buildings stretching as far as a football field, housing thousands of continually running machines.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 June 2026
  • Crews quickly established hose lines on the roof and contained the blaze to a portion of the solar panels atop the structure, achieving knockdown in 48 minutes with no injuries reported, the Fire Department said at the time.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • For example, older homeowners who purchased their properties years ago may have accumulated significant equity through a combination of mortgage payments and rising home values, giving them access to larger borrowing amounts.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 16 June 2026
  • Yet some of the world’s most significant scientific and medical sites have accumulated ghost stories, conspiracy theories, and paranormal legends of their own.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • And despite a timid political opening that has allowed the return of several opposition leaders and the emergence of others from hiding, over 400 political prisoners remain in custody as of May 25, according to figures compiled by the NGO Foro Penal.
    Alfredo Meza, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • But Fort Worth Fire has assembled a team of elite firefighters trained to respond quickly in situations where maneuverability is key.
    Bo Evans, CBS News, 19 June 2026
  • On the Criterion Channel, known for showcasing classics and discoveries from around the world, Two Prosecutors will be accompanied by The Trial, a 2018 documentary that Loznitsa assembled from footage of a 1930 Stalinist show trial.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Despite the heat on Friday afternoon, a large crowd gathered at Bayfront Park to watch Team USA face off in its second match of the FIFA World Cup.
    Abby Dodge, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • Early yesterday, as Argentina sealed a 3-0 victory over Algeria, hundreds of fans gathered on the courtyard lawn of Beijing’s Argentine Embassy to cheer the team on.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Here, the threat may arrive with a badge, a laptop bag and a calm voice.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026
  • Your 4th House of Home warms as Venus, planet of values, shifts in, encouraging careful upgrades that make daily life feel calm and genuinely cozy.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • The adventure content creator had amassed more than 320,000 followers on Facebook, while some of his reels garnered millions of views.
    Drew Pittock, USA Today, 15 June 2026
  • Brown amassed a 107-88 record over two-plus seasons with the Kings, joining Rick Adelman as the only coaches in the Sacramento era to post a winning record.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Collected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collected. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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