collected 1 of 2

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
The collected water can then be used for watering the lawn and garden, reducing your spending and your water waste, while still keeping the lawn and garden looking great throughout the summer. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025 These salts can leak out with the collected water, making for an unpalatable drink. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 13 June 2025
Verb
What would happen to the tariff revenue already collected? Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR, 9 Sep. 2025 The net is emptied net back into the water, minus the errant fishing lure which is tossed into a bucket among other trash collected for disposal. Wesley Bruer, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for collected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collected
Adjective
  • The vocabulary being used by Qatar’s prime minister is strong, evocative and damning, a departure from his usual composed response to the incessant twists and turns of trying to end the 23-month war in Gaza.
    Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Remember, significant wealth can be created in the market by those who maintain a composed and strategic approach during times of volatility.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • On a sunny Tuesday morning, 35-year-old Rita Guerrero stepped out from her door on North Mariposa Street, lively pup Olive barely contained by her leash.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Police quickly contained the situation as around 150 mostly young demonstrators chanted anti-police slogans in a largely calm atmosphere.
    Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Software-defined The Neue Klasse is a clean-sheet design, and BMW has used this as an opportunity to clear out the legacy cruft that has accumulated over the years.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025
  • By the end, Sabalenka had accumulated more than twice as many winners as Pegula, 43-21.
    Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in the Miami Herald newsroom.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Three Arlington restaurants were temporarily closed and another establishment failed after inspectors found roaches and unsanitary conditions during the August 17-30 health inspections, according to data from the city and compiled by the Star-Telegram.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The documentary is built around the chat with Sheen — which gives the impression of stretching across many days, based on lighting choices — but Renzi has assembled an impressive assortment of key figures from Sheen’s lives.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The data set was assembled by an independent AI developer named Shawn Presser, who wanted to give the open-source-AI community high-quality training data to compete with the big AI companies.
    The Atlantic, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • It is said the bees gathered at the cemetery, resting on the tent over the grave and on the floral displays, returning to their hives after the service concluded.
    Elizabeth Bass Parman, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • More than 100 people gathered at Idaho Capitol steps on Friday evening for the second annual Boise Trans March to rally for LGBTQ+ rights in Idaho — a state where these groups feel under attack.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Hill stayed calm, recovering from the blunder and finding an open lane for an 80-yard touchdown.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
  • All of these things can soften poop and move it through your system more smoothly—which helps keep those nearby blood vessels calm and cool.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But on a day when Mizzou amassed 595 total yards, converted 4 of 5 fourth downs and got an excellent effort from first-year starting quarterback Beau Pribula, surrendering possession had to fill Kansas followers with a sense of dread.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Time crunches led the team of four — including production assistant Chaandmon Croft — to streamline the pilot process so other departments could quickly work with material amassed between takes that could start and restart from various points in a song.
    Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Collected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collected. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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