collecting

Definition of collectingnext
present participle of collect
1
as in containing
to gain emotional or mental control of applicants should collect their thoughts while waiting to be interviewed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
3
as in compiling
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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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 collecting The bomb squad has rendered the explosive devices safe and remains on scene collecting evidence. Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026 The concept revolves around a massive orbital infrastructure capable of collecting solar energy in space and transmitting it to Earth via tightly focused microwave beams. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 Apr. 2026 Herrera snagged his first assist after collecting a career-high four last season. ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026 His company started collecting its own first-person videos this year from workers at manufacturing facilities in India. Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026 In between their trips to visit national parks together, the couple enjoyed attending death metal concerts and collecting crystals. Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026 This date also applies to the oldest recipients—anyone who has been collecting benefits since before May 1997. Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 Detectives have continued the investigation, collecting evidence, obtaining witness statements and canvassing the area for security camera footage, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2026 The senior had a strong two-way week at the plate, drove in six runs while collecting seven hits. Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collecting
Verb
  • Investigators also recovered a bloodstained rock, clothing and bags allegedly containing medical supplies tied to the defendant.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026
  • For the first time, paleontologists have discovered a 250-million-year-old fossil egg containing an embryo of a mammal ancestor.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
    Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Another approach is to set aside a consistent amount each year, with unused funds accumulating over time to cover larger expenses later in retirement, says Shagawat.
    Mike Winters, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • There were 165 coyote attacks on people in California from 1977 through 2015, according to a report from two researchers compiling such incidents within the state and elsewhere.
    Paris Barraza, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings.
    Gary Trust, Billboard, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The transfer portal for men’s college basketball opens Tuesday, and with a roster that has already seen six departures through either graduation or entry into the portal, Mizzou men’s basketball coach Dennis Gates will have to begin the process of assembling a new team.
    Joseph Pastilha, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2026
  • At the same time, several thousand ground troops are assembling.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Artemis 2 astronauts will study the moon during the flyby, gathering data that could help scientists better understand the terrain and geology of Earth's nearest neighbor.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 6 Apr. 2026
  • The crew members will spend roughly the next seven hours gathering observations and capturing photos of the lunar surface.
    Evan Bush, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The study—drawing from more than 41 million shifts and 268 million hours worked—finds Gen Z is leading the way in poly-employment, composing more than half (55%) of those engaged in the practice.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Badauni served at Akbar’s court while composing a work deeply hostile to his patron; the text could only be privately circulated to a limited audience during Akbar’s lifetime and remained suppressed until after Jahangir’s accession in 1605.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Wilzig became a dedicated collector, author and lecturer, eventually amassing thousands of pieces that explored human sexuality across cultures and centuries.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Kentucky is 8-4, with its last victory coming against Kansas in 2012, while even mighty UCLA tasted defeat twice in the course of amassing a record 11 crowns.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But now campaign organizations are converging on the race as the fast-growing Phoenix area becomes a destination for data centers and semiconductor factories.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Like, two groups of people are kind of converging on me.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Collecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collecting. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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