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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
  • The beach is right there for swimming and paddleboarding when the surf is calm, and the trails through the dunes are manageable for kids old enough to walk them without being carried.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Notice what would make the space or situation feel safer, calmer, or more like your own.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of calm
Adjective
  • The Shark Tank judge, 64, and the former Dancing with the Stars pro, 50, offered a look inside their serene lakeside abode in Muskoka, located about two hours north of Toronto, during a recent tour with Homeworthy.
    — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Few tourist vessels access this serene village, and Windstar’s ships are often the only ones in port.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of serene
Adjective
  • By platitudes like a peaceful and dignified death and silly words like natural.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The takeover appeared to be peaceful, with no gunfire heard in or around the airport.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of peaceful
Adjective
  • There’s the person who shows up to the executive team meeting, composed and strategic.
    — Nicole DuBois, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Each component is prepared separately, allowing the individual flavors and textures to shine before coming together in a balanced, composed bowl.
    — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 8 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-possessed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-possessed. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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