collected 1 of 3

collectedness

2 of 3

noun

collected

3 of 3

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
Noun
  • Maintaining its strong Eastern Conference standing will require a level of finishing and composure that was noticeably absent Saturday night.
    Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2025
  • After the one-two punch (or burning, or stabbing) of the siege on Jackson and Joel’s murder, a more sedate, transitional episode lets the characters regain their composure as much as the viewers.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The tea bags studied by the Barcelona scientists contained polypropylene, cellulose and nylon, but there are many tea bags in stores which are plastic free.
    Hatty Willmoth, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Jabbar's truck contained an ISIS flag.
    Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 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
  • Eight food establishments in Dallas failed health inspections due to violations including live flies and roaches, according to city data compiled by the Star-Telegram.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • The Swiss Watch industry which just gathered at its latest annual Watches and Wonders in Geneva, is in recession.
    Stéphane JG Girod, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • The evening is expected to be calm and mild with a low of 57.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Even the galaxy’s central supermassive black hole, which is more than 2,000 times more massive than the Milky Way’s central black hole, is fairly calm.
    Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Collected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collected. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

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