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
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 Start with a high-quality anchor piece, then layer in vintage accents that make the patio feel collected and personal. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
But much of the data collected by public agencies—things like employment or housing statistics, or business registrations—don’t meet this threshold. Leonard Lim, Fortune, 10 June 2026 And what are some of the examples of data points on shoe styles that are collected? Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for collected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collected
Adjective
  • In contrast, composed framing of his loyal squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), underlines a different emotion.
    Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
  • Americans have known Fox News’s Kayleigh McEnany as the composed woman behind the podium, forcefully defending administration policy in the White House briefing room, sparring with reporters on live television, or navigating the relentless pressures of national politics.
    Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • The fire was 60% contained as of Thursday morning, according to Cal Fire.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
  • There was only brief debate — and none of it contained support for women pastors.
    Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • By looking into how errors accumulated and how deviant the answers were from those expected, the researchers were able to get valuable insights into how the physical system was working.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 9 June 2026
  • The plant blooms only when sufficient energy is accumulated, making time between flowering unpredictable, spanning from a few years to more than a decade, according to the United States Botanic Garden.
    Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 8 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
  • Across a 90-foot wall at the Orlando Museum of Art, Tommerup assembled three monumental pyramids built from canvases dragged through the ocean and Biscayne Bay, dried in flowering trees and tossed from rooftops at dusk, surrendering part of the creative process to nature itself.
    Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
  • Those same instincts run through Dirty Blonde, an album that feels less engineered and more lived-in—shaped in real time rather than assembled from above.
    Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Since then, the orange legion has gathered at Henk's to watch the Dutch national team take the field.
    Dawn White, CBS News, 13 June 2026
  • Fans young and old gathered under the KC Live canopy Thursday to watch as Mexico beat South Africa 2-0.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 12 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 16 Jun. 2026.

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