SELF-POSSESSED Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

self-possessed

adjective

ˌself-pə-ˈzest

Definition of self-possessed

as in calm

free from emotional or mental agitation a supremely self-possessed teacher who could handle any crisis

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 self-possessed With the exception of the barky ottoman, the dogs all struck me as quite self-possessed. — Rachel Sugar, Curbed, 8 Apr. 2026 Early on, Hamilton is self-possessed, her carriage underscoring her as an arbiter of social good, the gracious hostess. — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 2 Feb. 2026 The version of you that steps forward now feels more self-possessed, radiant, and rooted. — Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 21 Sep. 2025 Even for someone used to covering for her daughter’s wrongdoings, Tracey is remarkably self-possessed as Laura pries mercilessly into her life and accuses Cherry of every crime under the sun. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-possessed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-possessed

Adjective

Patience is the ability to remain calm and accept delays, difficulties, or annoyance without complaining or becoming angry.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
Rooms The 275 rooms here are a calm and cool retreat from Miami’s loud and frenetic downtown.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of calm

Adjective

The Shark Tank judge, 64, and the former Dancing with the Stars pro, 50, offered a look inside their serene lakeside abode in Muskoka, located about two hours north of Toronto, during a recent tour with Homeworthy.

— Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2026
Few tourist vessels access this serene village, and Windstar’s ships are often the only ones in port.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of serene

Adjective

Each component is prepared separately, allowing the individual flavors and textures to shine before coming together in a balanced, composed bowl.

— Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2026
Wrexham’s more direct approach, particularly when defenders Cleworth and Callum Doyle were picking out wing-backs Danny Imray and Ryan Longman with raking 50-yard deliveries, would have paid dividends with more composed finishing.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of composed

Adjective

Data brokers legally comb the internet for such information, build profiles using the collected information, and sell those profiles to anyone who’ll pay.

— Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
Paired with the Emme play table, this duo creates the kind of collected look that feels professionally layered.

— Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 31 July 2026

Definition of collected

Adjective

When the possessed Katie eventually joins the family in Albuquerque, New Mexico, there is much Catholic prayer on the part of Larissa’s mother Carmen (Verónica Falcón).

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
Religious horror films offer narratives of meaning, mystery, and morality, shaping how power, belief, and the body—both pure and possessed—are understood.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 July 2026

Definition of possessed

Adjective

Bedrooms are tranquil and restorative, with clean lines, balconies, and mountain views that create a sense of space.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
Located right across the water from Miami, Key Biscayne is filled with tranquil experiences in nature, delicious dining options with incredible views of the water, and even a little bit of history to explore.

— Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 13 June 2026

Definition of tranquil

Browse Nearby Words

self-poised

self-possessed

self-possessedly

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“Self-possessed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-possessed. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-possessed

adjective

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