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
Where Harlan is decisive and self-possessed, Cane is anxious and unconfident, a good guy stymied by both the yoke of responsibility and his father’s tendency to cut him off at the knees (and punch him in the face).
—
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 19 June 2025
Smart, grounded, and self-possessed (not to mention the closest AJLT got to middle-class representation), Pittman’s Nya made more sense as part of the ensemble.
—Judy Berman, Time, 28 May 2025
And if ‘Robot & Frank’ director Jake Schreier’s Marvel debut is among the best and most self-possessed of these movies since Thanos snapped the mega-franchise half, its pleasures still feel like faint echoes of the series’ previous highs.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 May 2025
His early writing—often brilliant and, given his youth, boldly self-possessed, sometimes to a fault—is driven by certainty.
—Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 May 2025
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
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 19 June 2025
Smart, grounded, and self-possessed (not to mention the closest AJLT got to middle-class representation), Pittman’s Nya made more sense as part of the ensemble.
—Judy Berman, Time, 28 May 2025
And if ‘Robot & Frank’ director Jake Schreier’s Marvel debut is among the best and most self-possessed of these movies since Thanos snapped the mega-franchise half, its pleasures still feel like faint echoes of the series’ previous highs.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 May 2025
His early writing—often brilliant and, given his youth, boldly self-possessed, sometimes to a fault—is driven by certainty.
—Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 May 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-possessed
Adjective
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Thursday morning’s efforts included six private vessels and a Marine Rescue team, though what was puzzling to some was how calm the sea conditions were and the small amount of wind and swell.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
11 July 2025
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Did your presence create more clarity, more calm, more progress?—
Cicely Simpson,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Big Momma the alligator is one of his muses, as are curious bobcats and the serene landscape.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
28 June 2025
-
The entire island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a kaleidoscope of lush valleys, dramatic waterfalls and serene lagoons.—
Ann Abel,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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The 40,000-square-foot Spa Montage, meanwhile, is a destination in itself and includes a peaceful infinity pool surrounded by tropical greenery.—
John Wogan,
Travel + Leisure,
8 July 2025
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Carlos Montes, a longtime leader with Centro CSO, said the organization’s events, including protests, have always been peaceful and organized.—
Victoria Elena Valenzuela,
USA Today,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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Despite suffering from a severe injury at 13,800 feet, the climber remained responsive and composed.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
9 July 2025
-
Then take the time to analyze the situation before delivering a thoughtful and composed response.—
Christopher Fairbank,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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The collected data underscored that what’s played in public places doesn’t necessarily mirror what’s on the popular playlists or radio and streaming platforms.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
10 July 2025
-
Some aldermen, both at the committee meeting last month and at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, had concerns over how the collected data was being handled by the police department.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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The film follows two priests — one questioning his faith (Dan Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Al Pacino), who must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
6 June 2025
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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
Adjective
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You and your date are nestled on Mozart's expansive deck, with a signature coffee in hand, watching this spectacular show unfold over the tranquil waters of Lake Austin.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
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The tranquil spa on the property’s lower level feels like a hidden oasis, with a sleek and contemporary pool that is, in fact, the only indoor swimming pool in inner Copenhagen.—
Elizabeth Brownfield,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-possessed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-possessed. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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