self-possessed

adjective

ˌself-pə-ˈzest How to pronounce self-possessed (audio)
Definition of self-possessednext
as in calm
free from emotional or mental agitation a supremely self-possessed teacher who could handle any crisis

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  1. calm
  2. serene
  3. peaceful
  4. composed
  5. collected
  6. possessed
  7. tranquil
Adjective
  • Alex just keeps calm, and that’s what Pascal does, more or less, throughout the movie.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The captain's uncle, Kishorbhai Machchhar, told ABC News on Friday that the family still cannot believe how Smit managed to stay so calm and focused.
    — Charlotte Gardiner, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of calm
Adjective
  • So how did the vast, serene plot of land near Griffin’s home that was promised to be a future park land suddenly become the future site of a hub for cloud collection and artificial intelligence?
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
  • As attendees, including Ariana DeBose and Patricia Clarkson, tucked into sweet Forelle pears and a main course of Branzino, the atmosphere was decidedly more serene than the savagery witnessed earlier on stage.
    — Christopher Barnard, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of serene
Adjective
  • The annual prize was created in 1980 by Swedish-German philanthropist Jakob von Uexkull, who wanted to honor work that contributes to a more just and peaceful world.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Inspired by research showing that thoughtful architecture and design can help with healing, the couple set out to make their home as peaceful and creative as possible.
    — Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of peaceful
Adjective
  • The Emma style, a more composed and sensible block-heel pump, is for Elinor (Edgar-Jones).
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • There’s the person who shows up to the executive team meeting, composed and strategic.
    — Nicole DuBois, Forbes.com, 23 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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Cite this Entry

“Self-possessed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-possessed. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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