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

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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
That changed in 2018, when the Council passed Helen Rosenthal’s bill encouraging New Yorkers to report idling violations by requiring the city to publicize the process and pay them 25% of any collected fines for their efforts. Chris Hartmann, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026 There is a music room with an upright piano, wind-up gramophone and the collected lyrics of Bob Dylan—a perfect touch for the pop star. Ruchira Sharma, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 June 2026
Verb
During that time, Gibney suggests, Musk also had access to and potentially collected intimate data on tens of millions of Americans possibly even for later political use. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 An ill wind blows around infant stars The team conducted its research using data collected by the JWST’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI). Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for collected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collected
Adjective
  • Barbie’s hair choices, too, are ever so composed and elegant.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 July 2026
  • Replacement Ryunosuke Ito, plucked from Meiji University, had a composed debut, including laying on a try for Matsunaga, who was five for five off the tee.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • The glove contained a small bag of cocaine and Adderall, the document said.
    Ava Kelley, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
  • During the encounter, Molano was allowed to contact another person to take possession of the vehicle, which still contained the cinnamon rolls and their storage containers, Fortune said.
    Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Delaware is the partial exception, exempting income accumulated for out-of-state beneficiaries, Teal said.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The forces of destruction accumulated through the Second World War.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • According to figures compiled by the Yangtze River Water Resources Commission and published by the Chinese government, approximately 142,000 people died, while more than 10 million were affected.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026
  • At the same time, data compiled by researchers also suggest sharks are innately able to determine what is food, and humans simply don’t fit the bill.
    Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The latest contract builds on work that began in 2023, when GE Aerospace received initial funding for concept development and assembled the team that would work on the platform.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Heading into the 2026 season, Glenn seems more genuine, lighthearted and comfortable — a shift that may reflect his growing confidence in the roster the Jets assembled this offseason.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Tucker Kraft Day is a real thing, too, and the whole town gathered on Main Street in their Kraft gear while a drone flew overhead.
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • That growth was on display Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium, where generations of HBCU supporters gathered for the latest edition of a game with roots stretching back more than nine decades.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Expect to see a calm and composed figure in the heart of defence alongside Virgil van Dijk this season; and if Liverpool begin motoring towards the top positions, Jacquet will surely be a big part of it.
    David Ornstein, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Last week, 200 officers from the National Crime Agency and other forces were drafted in to calm tensions.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Inside, visitors will find a significant slice of Lucas’ private collection, amassed over five decades and spanning art, costumes, movie props and memorabilia, with more than 1,300 objects currently displayed across 30 galleries.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Goudstikker amassed a significant collection of Old Masters paintings and sold them under duress, as ARTnews previously reported.
    Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Collected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collected. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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