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

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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

But very few active CEOs of large US companies have echoed such concerns publicly, and investors have been calm.

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
When asked about a 15-year-old student who lost his hand, Macron said nothing could justify what had happened and reiterated his call for calm.

— Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of calm

Adjective

The Gilded Age would generally prefer that nothing disrupt the basic contours of its serene status quo, where ladies in hats sit in drawing rooms and deliver smiling rebukes of one another’s decor.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
On his latest solo album, the Tonstartssbandht guitarist/vocalist crafts a serene, psychedelic opus that invites us to become immersed.

— Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of serene

Adjective

So on Wednesday, after a full day of quiet, more people than usual were out on the streets in Kherson, enjoying the short glimpse of peaceful life, though many said the calm still felt unsettling.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
Almost two hours after polling stations closed, Vucic addressed the nation, confirming his defeat and announcing the peaceful transfer of power.

— Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of peaceful

Adjective

The British singer, 27, composed and co-wrote the lyrics with Bastian Langebæk and Max Wolfgang, according to the song credits on Spotify.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
The Emma style, a more composed and sensible block-heel pump, is for Elinor (Edgar-Jones).

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 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 3 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-possessed

adjective

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