as in calm
free from emotional or mental agitation
a supremely self-possessed teacher who could handle any crisis
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Recent Examples of self-possessed
Mother’s Little Boy (Nick Barrington, humorously self-possessed) is a curious observer of the changes taking place around him.
—
Frank Rizzo, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
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
Yoro came out with top marks in reports, a teenager who looked self-possessed.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
Smart, grounded, and self-possessed (not to mention the closest AJLT got to middle-class representation), Pittman’s Nya made more sense as part of the ensemble.
—Judy Berman, Time, 28 May 2025
Frank Rizzo, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
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
Yoro came out with top marks in reports, a teenager who looked self-possessed.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
Smart, grounded, and self-possessed (not to mention the closest AJLT got to middle-class representation), Pittman’s Nya made more sense as part of the ensemble.
—Judy Berman, Time, 28 May 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-possessed
Adjective
-
Crandon Park Beach Key Biscayne, Florida A two-mile stretch of soft white sand in Key Biscayne, family-friendly Crandon Park Beach consistently earns praise for its beauty and calm waters thanks to an offshore sandbar.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Simple, Purposeful Spaces Warm minimalism creates calm, simple spaces by keeping a room clean and clutter-free.—
Erica Puisis,
The Spruce,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Honda says that altogether, these enhancements reduce interior noise by two or three decibels, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but the result is indeed a serene ride.—
Adam Ismail,
The Drive,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year is 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a serene off-white that’s meant to promote relaxation and creativity.—
Asia London Palomba,
The Spruce,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The mayor called on the community to remain peaceful in the aftermath.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
But once inside, as the crackling fire quickly warms you up, there’s no better feeling after hours on the trail than dropping your backpack on the floor, taking off your boots and settling in for a few days of peaceful escape.—
The Denver Post,
Denver Post,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
When the center returned to Minnesota, Finch saw a player who was more composed and sure of how to use his boundless energy within the context of the game.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
15 Jan. 2026
-
The usually very composed DiCaprio is going viral for getting playful during one of the show's commercial breaks, as he was captured laughing, smiling, and doing a very hammy impression of a person who was off camera.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The collected data is sent to an app via Bluetooth, where it can be used to provide information on hormonal cycles and anxiety levels.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
9 Jan. 2026
-
After more than six months of study, Tianwen-2 will leave the asteroid and drop the collected sample down to Earth before heading off to investigate 311P/PanSTARRS, a complicated celestial object that’s part asteroid and part comet.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
31 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Linda Blair would ultimately be cast as the possessed child, Regan.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
27 Dec. 2025
-
David Dastmalchian stars as Jack Delroy, an opportunistic host who invites a possessed girl and a child psychologist as his guests for the night in a desperate bid for ratings.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
In the same way, the entire gallery space invites us into the thoughtful and tranquil world of Alfredo Castañeda.—
Michael James Rocha,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Jan. 2026
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The entrance cleverly separates hotel guests from those who are there to dine, so the check-in area is always uncrowded and tranquil.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-possessed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-possessed. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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