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
Where Harlan is decisive and self-possessed, Cane is anxious and unconfident, a good guy stymied by both the yoke of responsibility and his father’s tendency to cut him off at the knees (and punch him in the face).
—
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 19 June 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
And if ‘Robot & Frank’ director Jake Schreier’s Marvel debut is among the best and most self-possessed of these movies since Thanos snapped the mega-franchise half, its pleasures still feel like faint echoes of the series’ previous highs.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 May 2025
His early writing—often brilliant and, given his youth, boldly self-possessed, sometimes to a fault—is driven by certainty.
—Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 May 2025
Authentic Storytelling Without Compromise In discussing her role as a Brighton Beach stripper who spontaneously marries a rich, young Russian client yet remains self-possessed, Madison shared that her uncompromising authenticity got her the part.
—Gemma Allen, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Up until this episode, George’s public and private selves have been equally self-possessed.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025
In retrospect, consent was likely a smoke screen for the brasher provocation of depicting unhoused men as nude, occasionally aroused, and self-possessed.
—Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025
The most notable are her women: self-possessed and in casual repose, unidealized and unbothered by being beheld.
—Emily Labarge, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2025
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 19 June 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
And if ‘Robot & Frank’ director Jake Schreier’s Marvel debut is among the best and most self-possessed of these movies since Thanos snapped the mega-franchise half, its pleasures still feel like faint echoes of the series’ previous highs.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 May 2025
His early writing—often brilliant and, given his youth, boldly self-possessed, sometimes to a fault—is driven by certainty.
—Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 May 2025
Authentic Storytelling Without Compromise In discussing her role as a Brighton Beach stripper who spontaneously marries a rich, young Russian client yet remains self-possessed, Madison shared that her uncompromising authenticity got her the part.
—Gemma Allen, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Up until this episode, George’s public and private selves have been equally self-possessed.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025
In retrospect, consent was likely a smoke screen for the brasher provocation of depicting unhoused men as nude, occasionally aroused, and self-possessed.
—Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025
The most notable are her women: self-possessed and in casual repose, unidealized and unbothered by being beheld.
—Emily Labarge, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-possessed
Adjective
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There’s something wonderfully timeless about pushing off from shore in a canoe as the paddles dip quietly through calm water as dragonflies skim by.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
29 June 2025
-
In recent weeks, investor worries have eased in response to calmer rhetoric on tariffs from the White House and forecasts that the Federal Reserve rate will lower interest rates, analysts told CBS MoneyWatch.—
Alain Sherter,
CBS News,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Big Momma the alligator is one of his muses, as are curious bobcats and the serene landscape.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
28 June 2025
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The entire island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a kaleidoscope of lush valleys, dramatic waterfalls and serene lagoons.—
Ann Abel,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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The 40,000-square-foot Spa Montage, meanwhile, is a destination in itself and includes a peaceful infinity pool surrounded by tropical greenery.—
John Wogan,
Travel + Leisure,
8 July 2025
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An excellent way to unwind from daily stressors, stargazing can serve as a peaceful, mindfulness practice.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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Despite suffering from a severe injury at 13,800 feet, the climber remained responsive and composed.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
9 July 2025
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Then take the time to analyze the situation before delivering a thoughtful and composed response.—
Christopher Fairbank,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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The researchers used the collected ear wax data to train an artificial intelligence olfactory (AIO) system, technology that uses sensors to simulate the human sense of smell to detect and analyze VOCs.—
Amy McGorry,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2025
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The wording of the notice suggests the collected data can be used much more broadly than past department data sets.—
Jude Joffe-Block,
NPR,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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The film follows two priests — one questioning his faith (Dan Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Al Pacino), who must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
6 June 2025
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After taking a couple episodes to establish its premise, there’s a procedural rhythm to Hub’s hunting expeditions, tracking targets from a possessed priest to a Satanic cheerleader.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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You and your date are nestled on Mozart's expansive deck, with a signature coffee in hand, watching this spectacular show unfold over the tranquil waters of Lake Austin.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
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The tranquil spa on the property’s lower level feels like a hidden oasis, with a sleek and contemporary pool that is, in fact, the only indoor swimming pool in inner Copenhagen.—
Elizabeth Brownfield,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-possessed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-possessed. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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