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
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
Yoro came out with top marks in reports, a teenager who looked self-possessed.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
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
Yoro came out with top marks in reports, a teenager who looked self-possessed.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-possessed
Adjective
-
De-escalate using calm leadership to keep discussions productive and focused.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The day will remain mostly sunny, with calm winds.—
Adam Del Rosso,
CBS News,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The neighborhood/area Perched just minutes from Joshua Tree Village and 15 minutes from the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, The Bungalows make a serene base for exploring the High Desert.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Built on the former palace estate of the Maharaja Tehri Garhwal, Ananda is spread across 100 acres of lush forests and rolling hills, giving the whole property a serene feel.—
Annie Daly,
Vogue,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The hotel’s 240 rooms have been designed as peaceful and exclusive retreats, and yet the five-star hotel is also the island’s latest attraction.—
José Cantillo Ferrer,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
-
The park’s two-acre freshwater lake offers peaceful fishing spots.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
And so Ekman-Larsson elevated his game and played some of the most physical and composed hockey of his career as the Leafs stumbled.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Comfortable Ride: Adaptive dynamics with the optional air suspension provides a smooth and composed ride, even on rough roads and off road trails.—
Tony Leopardo,
Mercury News,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
These over collected taxes are then directed to corporate welfare schemes the most egregious is Hollywood subsidies.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
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To address this, the Statista R research team employed triangulation, combining secondary data from global sources and national datasets with primary data from university reports and data submissions to verify collected information.—
TIME Staff,
Time,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The story begins with two teens fleeing into the night where one is killed by her possessed mother.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
9 Feb. 2026
-
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
-
For what's essentially the embryonic form of a massive star, L1544 is a remarkably tranquil place.—
Kiona N. Smith,
Space.com,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Schoen, owner of the Paradise River Bend wedding venue and vacation rental property, often visits what was once a pristine retreat across the road from his cabins, surrounded by trees and nestled along the usually tranquil Guadalupe River.—
Abrielle Kate Maddison,
Austin American Statesman,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-possessed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-possessed. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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