as in calm
free from emotional or mental agitation
a supremely self-possessed teacher who could handle any crisis
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Moore, even in her 90s, is quite the babbling brook — twinkly and self-possessed, a calm pathological narcissist, the kind of person who spins out her life like a novel, making stories she’s told a million times sound spontaneous.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 15 Oct. 2024
Shipka also makes an impression as a young woman who seems coolly self-possessed until realizations about her choices sink in; her demonstration of the moves required of dancers in the erotic circus is hilarious.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2024
In person, Harris is dinner and a show: loquacious, feisty and entirely self-possessed, with a diamond-hard sense of self, forged by years of having to defend it.
—Jazmine Hughes, Washington Post, 25 July 2024
On one side, the Glass House, transparent and entirely self-possessed, a work of modernist daring framed in steel and inspired, as Johnson was only too happy to admit, by the designs of his hero, the German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
—Christopher Hawthorne, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2024
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
Moore, even in her 90s, is quite the babbling brook — twinkly and self-possessed, a calm pathological narcissist, the kind of person who spins out her life like a novel, making stories she’s told a million times sound spontaneous.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 15 Oct. 2024
Shipka also makes an impression as a young woman who seems coolly self-possessed until realizations about her choices sink in; her demonstration of the moves required of dancers in the erotic circus is hilarious.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2024
In person, Harris is dinner and a show: loquacious, feisty and entirely self-possessed, with a diamond-hard sense of self, forged by years of having to defend it.
—Jazmine Hughes, Washington Post, 25 July 2024
On one side, the Glass House, transparent and entirely self-possessed, a work of modernist daring framed in steel and inspired, as Johnson was only too happy to admit, by the designs of his hero, the German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
—Christopher Hawthorne, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-possessed
Adjective
-
The evening is expected to be calm and mild with a low of 57.—
Todd Karpovich,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Apr. 2025
-
The best way to respond to a tantrum is to remain calm, and attempt to distract the child, such as with a change of location or even making a funny face, according to the Mayo Clinic.—
Mohammed Soliman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Hotel is a luxury resort located along the serene mangroves, offering a peaceful escape while still being close to the action of the downtown.—
Susmita Baral,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Since then, the Rockefellers have been stewards of this serene stretch of land, donating vast swaths to public use—including the park preserve and the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Together, these two pros deliver a Sunday to-do list that will hopefully create a more peaceful and efficient week ahead.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2025
-
The meeting lasted about 15 minutes inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, where Francis often preached the need for a peaceful end to the war, just before Trump and Zelenskyy took their seats at the outdoor funeral service.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Eliot compares this style to Rory McIlroy lining up a putt to win the Masters: focused, composed, blocking out distractions.—
Julian Hayes II,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The sets had their ups and downs: some of the improvisations were gorgeous, but the more composed elements felt messy.—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The collected data helps scientists unravel the complex interplay between the hot plasma and magnetic fields that drive solar eruptions, according to the statement.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
The collected data included names, addresses, dates of birth and driver’s license numbers.—
Ryley Amond,
CNBC,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
Relentlessly silly instead of scary, the horror comedy is worth a watch just for goofy Brian Cox playing a possessed dad.—
Brian Truitt,
USA TODAY,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Soft, soothing shades like dusty blues, sage greens and warm neutrals can help create a tranquil mood.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Photo: Lourenco Teixeira de Abreu For a more tranquil coastal retreat, Mélides offers a quieter escape with wilder, more secluded beaches—perhaps what first drew Christian Louboutin and Vincent Van Duysen, both of whom have homes in the area.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-possessed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-possessed. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share