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 data serves as part of ongoing model training for better model development. Saurav Bhattacharya, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 The collected information will be used to update the airline's aircraft balance and loading calculations for the period from 2025 to 2030. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 21 Feb. 2025 Step 2: Near-Edge Processing Some of the collected data is moved to near-edge compute environments, such as ruggedized servers, for additional processing. Chhandomay Mandal, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 Longtime collector and principal designer Deborah Lund curates an exceptional mix of contemporary art, midcentury pieces, and vintage lighting in her interiors, blending styles and historical influences for a collected look. Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for collected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collected
Adjective
  • Eliot compares this style to Rory McIlroy lining up a putt to win the Masters: focused, composed, blocking out distractions.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The sets had their ups and downs: some of the improvisations were gorgeous, but the more composed elements felt messy.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Jabbar's truck contained an ISIS flag.
    Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Many of the posts contained hateful messages about Muslim Americans, the same type of bigotry O'Reilly had fought against.
    Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Late socialite and multi-hyphenate Gloria Vanderbilt was born into the uppermost echelons of American society during the 1920s, inheriting her family’s vast wealth and influence accumulated during the Gilded Age via the railroad and shipping industries.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2025
  • These shipments have skirted until now not only his new tariffs, including a 10 percent tax on all goods from China, but also many other tariffs that have accumulated over the years.
    Keith Bradsher, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Our experts have compiled a list of the seven best online casinos in the USA, highlighting those known for their generous bonuses, extensive game selection, impressive cash out times, and much more.
    Matthew Gover, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Monthly permitting for rooftop solar in Arizona has dropped by one-third since 2023, according to data compiled by the firm Ohm Analytics.
    Austin Corona, The Arizona Republic, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This dump and bake casserole can be assembled in just 10 minutes and cooks in just one pan.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Just two episodes into his new podcast, Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom has already assembled quite a roster of high-profile guests who oppose transgender rights.
    Abby Monteil, Them, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Wildlife officials tossed thousands of pounds of lettuce into the water next to the power plant as hungry manatees gathered.
    Bethany Barnes, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Several suburban mayors gathered last spring to protest the end of the grocery tax and advocate for replacing the full 10% that municipalities previously received from the state income tax.
    Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The evening is expected to be calm and mild with a low of 57.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The best way to respond to a tantrum is to remain calm, and attempt to distract the child, such as with a change of location or even making a funny face, according to the Mayo Clinic.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The retirement benefits involve a legacy of debt amassed largely over seven decades between 1939 and 2010.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Her March 11 post on Mumsnet quickly amassed hundreds of comments from fellow parents, many of whom related and sided with her.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Collected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collected. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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