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
In person, Rowbottom is striking — tall, platinum blond, soft-spoken — though less imposing than carefully self-possessed.
—
Mariella Rudi, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
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
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
Mariella Rudi, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
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
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
-
Here, the threat may arrive with a badge, a laptop bag and a calm voice.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
-
Your 4th House of Home warms as Venus, planet of values, shifts in, encouraging careful upgrades that make daily life feel calm and genuinely cozy.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
Her makeup was clean and serene, including highlights like bold brows and a glossy lip by artist Misha Shahzada.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
11 June 2026
-
The result here is serene, sculptural, and undeniably refined.—
Sophie Aliece Hollis,
Martha Stewart,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
The largely peaceful celebration radiated out into the streets around the Garden, with some fans climbing on street signs and jumping on top of vehicles.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
-
The demonstration, which had been previously organized by a hodgepodge of activist groups after weeks of negotiations with local authorities, was otherwise peaceful — with environmentalists, women’s rights advocates, supporters of Palestinians and foes of imperialism, fascism and capitalism.—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
In contrast, composed framing of his loyal squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), underlines a different emotion.—
Daron James,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
-
Americans have known Fox News’s Kayleigh McEnany as the composed woman behind the podium, forcefully defending administration policy in the White House briefing room, sparring with reporters on live television, or navigating the relentless pressures of national politics.—
Kiara Moore,
The Washington Examiner,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
There is a music room with an upright piano, wind-up gramophone and the collected lyrics of Bob Dylan—a perfect touch for the pop star.—
Ruchira Sharma,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 June 2026
-
Instead, embrace a collected look for a more stylish space.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
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
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 16 Jun. 2026.
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