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
-
Cloudy, rushing waters in the spring give way to calmer, clear flows in the summer.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
7 July 2025
-
While black bear attacks are rare, if encountered, individuals should remain calm, avoid eye contact, and slowly back away.—
Jared Goffinet,
The Enquirer,
7 July 2025
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 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
-
While many protests remained peaceful, authorities have also investigated multiple incidents involving vandalism, property destruction and attacks on construction equipment.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
11 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
-
Ground clearance still limits ambitions for serious green-laning, but across steep inclines, deeply rutted tracks, and surprisingly deep water crossings, the Jaecoo 8 remained composed and unbothered.—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2026
Adjective
-
The suit, filed Friday on behalf of lead plaintiff Summer Christine Duffield, alleges that the company does not adequately disclose its use of the technology and is not transparent about how the collected data will be used.—
Minyvonne Burke,
NBC news,
20 May 2026
-
They are obligated to buy the underlying stock at that put's strike price in exchange for the collected premium.—
Oliver Renick,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
Adjective
-
Whether it was penned by Apa or some Brit with possessed hips, the song soon took off.—
Brenna Ehrlich,
Rolling Stone,
11 May 2026
-
During the interviews, officers confirmed that 27 of the 28 individuals had either received, sent, possessed or transported child pornography, according to the statement.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
My 90-minute Inner Calm massage in a treatment room with rainforest views was restorative and tranquil, while morning hikes on Ladera’s cliffside trails further enhanced the distinctive sense of place and vantage point of the resort.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Mayreau Beach Club & Villas stands head and shoulders above the rest as an upscale hideaway perched on a blissfully tranquil bay.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-possessed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-possessed. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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