1
as in containing
to gain emotional or mental control of
applicants should collect their thoughts while waiting to be interviewed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in accumulating
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 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
4
as in assembling
to bring together in one body or place
she collects antique silverware
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in gathering
to come together into one body or place
a crowd collected at the beach as the sun slowly set over the horizon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 United States and France first warned more than a decade ago that Russian satellites appeared to be spying and collecting information on their assets, including on commercially run satellites.
—
Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
Those instruments stayed grounded during Melissa, while other instruments and drones collecting forecast information were deployed.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
The overlap between selling and collecting for a brand’s archive can, at times, muddy the waters.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2025
When his term ended in January 2025, there were 42,380,525 people collecting SNAP benefits.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
The latest Cash-Cole project is collecting food to feed food-insecure families, a number that has been growing lately with federal government furloughs and reductions in food stamps benefits.
—Nashville Tennessean, 7 Nov. 2025
But some raised questions about how much money would actually be generated, the logistics of collecting fees in specific places and whether revenue would significantly outpace costs.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
Rosita, never having created a single ordinary thing in her 93 years, decorated the apartments with a kaleidoscopic sensibility born of a lifetime of collecting and experimenting.
—Laura May Todd, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2025
The Cubs were also prepared for that opportunity, collecting enough information to present an individualized pitching plan and make a sound investment.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
Those instruments stayed grounded during Melissa, while other instruments and drones collecting forecast information were deployed.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
The overlap between selling and collecting for a brand’s archive can, at times, muddy the waters.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2025
When his term ended in January 2025, there were 42,380,525 people collecting SNAP benefits.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
The latest Cash-Cole project is collecting food to feed food-insecure families, a number that has been growing lately with federal government furloughs and reductions in food stamps benefits.
—Nashville Tennessean, 7 Nov. 2025
But some raised questions about how much money would actually be generated, the logistics of collecting fees in specific places and whether revenue would significantly outpace costs.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
Rosita, never having created a single ordinary thing in her 93 years, decorated the apartments with a kaleidoscopic sensibility born of a lifetime of collecting and experimenting.
—Laura May Todd, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2025
The Cubs were also prepared for that opportunity, collecting enough information to present an individualized pitching plan and make a sound investment.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collecting
Verb
-
This changed with the draining and containing of the Everglades and explosive growth and development that followed.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The changes saw Fielder do a much better job of containing Demirel, allowing the Broncos to fight back and take a 9-8 lead.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Prior to his firing earlier this week, Harbaugh coached the Baltimore Ravens for 18 seasons, accumulating a regular season record of 180-113 record with 13 postseason wins under his belt, including Super Bowl XLVII.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Forecast models have trended warmer, suggesting a transition from rain to a rain/snow mix rather than accumulating snow, the weather service said.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Historical classification files, supplier certifications, routing documentation, communications with logistics providers and internal compliance manuals and training records are among the assets Bini said companies should be compiling with a high level of diligence.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
5 Jan. 2026
-
This works with a Modified Velocity Obstacle (VO) algorithm combined with an Asymmetric Grey Cloud (AGC) model to assess risks and calculate the best way to avoid collisions while compiling with International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Whereas Herbert is 0-2 in Chargers postseason games, Maye is making his first postseason appearance for the New England Patriots after assembling a most valuable player-caliber season.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Jan. 2026
-
To suppress Americans peacefully assembling to protest his policies?—
Allison Pecorin,
ABC News,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The post was shared quickly, gathering more than 250 comments in less than a day.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
-
European and Ukrainian representatives are gathering in Paris again on Wednesday for further talks regarding a potential peace deal to end Russia's full-scale invasion of the country.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
As a newcomer to composing and arranging for strings, Simon benefitted greatly by working with a group readily available for consultation and collaboration.—
Andrew Gilbert,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Azar says the whole process only takes her 10 minutes, from searching for the email, composing it, to hitting send.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
26 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Third, amassing 46,000-plus five-star ratings is astounding, especially when many extol how long the ILNP nail polishes last.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Nnaji was Embiid’s equal, amassing 21 points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks off the bench as Denver’s fourth-string center.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Chase Travel Chase Travel’s 26 Trips to Take in 2026 highlights where booking demand and cultural curiosity are converging, with destinations spanning rugged deserts, coastal hideaways, Arctic wilderness, and global cultural capitals.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Before Patterson could close the distance, the lights broke formation and began converging on his interceptor.—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
28 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Collecting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collecting. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share