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
As Alexis, Collins was magnetic: powerful, seductive, and ruthlessly self-possessed.
—
Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2026
Conversely, maybe the fact that their songs, while impressively self-possessed, weren’t directly confrontational has kept them from being counted as forebears to the feminist punks who would come after.
—Marissa Lorusso, Pitchfork, 3 May 2026
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
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
Relaxed yet intentional, refined yet understated, self-possessed and naturally shareable.
—Advertorial, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2026
Conversely, maybe the fact that their songs, while impressively self-possessed, weren’t directly confrontational has kept them from being counted as forebears to the feminist punks who would come after.
—Marissa Lorusso, Pitchfork, 3 May 2026
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
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
Relaxed yet intentional, refined yet understated, self-possessed and naturally shareable.
—Advertorial, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-possessed
Adjective
-
Your calm precision can keep the whole plan from wobbling.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
-
The outset of war finds her wary yet calm, and our knowledge of her composure under siege means that all following emotional displays shake us like miniature earthquakes.—
Sophie Monks Kaufman,
IndieWire,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
Grab a cinnamon croissant at Birley Bakery or a lox bagel at Eli’s and eat it on a bench near the serene Conservatory Water with its model boats.—
Riza Cruz,
Vogue,
14 May 2026
-
Priced at $38 million, the home will include serene gardens, a spa, and tea room.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Brooks told Fox News Digital that approximately 750 men attended the gathering, where community members committed to maintaining the neighborhood as a peaceful environment for families and children.—
Greg Wehner , Anders Hagstrom,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
-
Not high up in the clouds, but down into my body, a much more peaceful place than my brain.—
Blake Crisses,
Rolling Stone,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
McIlroy overcame some early inconsistency to put together a composed round, while Burns leaned on excellent ball-striking to match him at the top.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Before Tuesday night, Konate had looked much more composed and commanding.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
They are obligated to buy the underlying stock at that put's strike price in exchange for the collected premium.—
Oliver Renick,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
-
This style appeals for its timeless charm and ability to feel collected and lived-in over time.—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Once Nikki returns to herself, she’s still left with extreme trauma and consequences, given that the possessed version of her murdered two people.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
-
Navarrette does her job like a pro, delivering a chilling performance as a possessed lovesick young woman, with the real Nikki being tortured and trying to break free.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Lucy is very isolated in this superficially tranquil domestic setting, separated from friends, far from her mother, dependent on Philip, and not even entirely fluent in German.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
-
The Orangery, one of nearly a dozen gardens, provides an exotic and tranquil refuge to recovery from the adrenaline.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-possessed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-possessed. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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