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 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 Relaxed yet intentional, refined yet understated, self-possessed and naturally shareable. — Advertorial, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for self-possessed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-possessed

Adjective

Expect to see a calm and composed figure in the heart of defence alongside Virgil van Dijk this season; and if Liverpool begin motoring towards the top positions, Jacquet will surely be a big part of it.

— David Ornstein, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Last week, 200 officers from the National Crime Agency and other forces were drafted in to calm tensions.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of calm

Adjective

Related Stories While onstage before his new film bowed on the first night of the serene Colorado festival, Haigh seemed faintly astonished to be there at all.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens Tucked away in a serene corner of West Palm Beach, the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens offer a tranquil escape into art and nature.

— Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of serene

Adjective

The reflecting pools echo with the sound of water cascading into the voids below, which suggests a peaceful replacement for the terror of men and women jumping from the towers.

— Thomas E. Franklin, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
Soon, there was another wave of calm and quiet, and the ash that fell from the sky and settled on the grass and trees gave the park the peaceful feel of a light evening snowfall.

— Timothy Townsend, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of peaceful

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

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
But no homes are so possessed with pottery of the truly enormous variety as Jeremiah Brent and Nate Berkus, whose Portuguese farmhouse appears on the cover of our June issue.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 May 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 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-possessed

adjective

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