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
For several years, large majorities of Americans have reported being concerned about how companies use their data, while also having minimal understanding of how collected data is actually used. — David Henkin, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 The collected luggage includes roller bags, duffel bags, suitcases and backpacks. — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
Verb
Nickey Kehoe founders Todd Nickey and Amy Kehoe designed the 30-piece collection with The Lacquer Company founder James Lowther, drawing on antique furniture and objects the three have collected over the years. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 12 Nov. 2026 The Ducks got things rolling after Sennecke danced about the offensive zone, losing control of the puck in the slot before Granlund collected it for Gauthier, who fired home his 16th goal of the campaign. — Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 12 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for collected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collected
Adjective
  • Over industrial/electro darkwave, MacKay was a composed presence, delivering vocals with casual ease, propping his foot on an amp while leaning into the crowd, and lightly resting his elbow on the mic stand.
    — Sarah Moroz, Pitchfork, 10 Nov. 2026
  • An entirely new chassis, far more sophisticated suspension, better brakes and a whole lot of modern equipment on board – all of which meant the 450 was a far more capable, composed and versatile machine.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Among those, some contained confidential data, such as new-hire onboarding information, an ad proposal for a US government agency (marked confidential), and sales territory maps for another company.
    — Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 13 Nov. 2026
  • In Florida, two brothers were charged with operating a drug vendor dark web account that allegedly sold counterfeit oxycodone pills, which contained nitazenes, laboratory tests showed.
    — Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Across its commercial operations Digit has accumulated more than 65,000 hours of real-world operation.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Filgueiras had accumulated about 1,300 hours of flight experience up until her death.
    — Zoey Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Sutskever, who was on the board, also compiled a memo detailing allegations against Greg, and Greg was removed from his position as chairman of the board (but allowed to stay on as president).
    — Julia Black, Vanity Fair, 2 Nov. 2026
  • With all that in mind, THR has compiled a look at some of the more unusual-sounding films unspooling at PÖFF 2026 below.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Saudi Arabia assembled a coalition backing the government, waging a yearslong campaign of air bombardment that brought it international condemnation over civilian deaths.
    — AHMED HATEM, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Its latest product is a magnetic modular display system designed to be assembled quickly, packed away when not in use, and used to add up to three additional screens to a laptop.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • This week, ahead of Abu Dhabi’s flagship energy conference ADIPEC, senior executives and CEOs from the energy industry gathered to discuss the challenges facing the industry under the Chatham House Rule.
    — Amena Bakr, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • At the news conference, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said investigators at his office gathered video evidence, interviewed witnesses and worked closely with prosecutors to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
    — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • This creamy fruit also contains vitamin E and carotenoids, which help calm inflammation.
    — Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Bassey, with his arms at his side, stayed calm despite the approach from Smart.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 12 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The Raiders struggled to successfully contain Lakeland’s running game that amassed nearly 300 yards through four quarters.
    — Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 14 Nov. 2026
  • Speedy Jones carried nine times for 99 yards and Jenkins added 98 yards on nine rushes as the Lumberjacks amassed 276 yards on the ground.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Collected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collected. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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