collected 1 of 2

collected

2 of 2

verb

past tense of collect
1
as in contained
to gain emotional or mental control of applicants should collect their thoughts while waiting to be interviewed

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in accumulated
to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass dust has been collecting under my bed for years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in compiled
to bring together from several sources into a single volume or list collected the author's early short stories, which were originally published in several obscure sci-fi magazines

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5

Synonym Chooser

How is the word collected different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of collected are composed, cool, imperturbable, nonchalant, and unruffled. While all these words mean "free from agitation or excitement," collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.

the nurse stayed calm and collected

When is it sensible to use composed instead of collected?

The synonyms composed and collected are sometimes interchangeable, but composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.

the composed pianist gave a flawless concert

In what contexts can cool take the place of collected?

In some situations, the words cool and collected are roughly equivalent. However, cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.

kept a cool head

When could imperturbable be used to replace collected?

The meanings of imperturbable and collected largely overlap; however, imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.

the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling

When is nonchalant a more appropriate choice than collected?

The words nonchalant and collected are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.

a nonchalant driver

When would unruffled be a good substitute for collected?

The words unruffled and collected can be used in similar contexts, but unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement.

harried but unruffled

Examples 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 collected
Adjective
For the program, the zoo takes the collected and recorded spiders and milks them for their venom so the material can used to make anti-venom. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025 An excerpt from Radio Benjamin, the collected radio broadcasts of Walter Benjamin. Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 4 Jan. 2025 The cameras and databases of collected data are frequently used by police to search for suspects. Matt Burgess, WIRED, 7 Jan. 2025 At the fountain, the collected coins are weighed under the oversight of city police officers before Mr. Marchioni takes them to Caritas offices. Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for collected 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collected
Adjective
  • Being intentional about staying calm and composed projects confidence without saying a word.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • The Brooklyn native became the new IBF super lightweight champion with a composed and masterful boxing performance to defeat Liam Paro (25-1) on Saturday night in Puerto Rico.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Jabbar's truck contained an ISIS flag.
    Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Many of the posts contained hateful messages about Muslim Americans, the same type of bigotry O'Reilly had fought against.
    Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The killings, prosecutors said, stemmed from a drug debt Escobedo accumulated from a cocaine trafficking operation.
    Darlene Superville, Orlando Sentinel, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Through 11 games, Brown has accumulated 56 catches for 946 yards and five touchdowns.
    Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Our experts have compiled a list of the seven best online casinos in the USA, highlighting those known for their generous bonuses, extensive game selection, impressive cash out times, and much more.
    Matthew Gover, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025
  • There are a number of terms that appear in both this article and other online discussions of the Spelling Bee; a glossary of those terms compiled by Monicat, a Times reader, can be found below.
    New York Times Games, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Once again, Schur has assembled a stellar cast of diverse characters, with crisp, whip-smart writing.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2024
  • This year, the Pinta Pride Project has assembled more than 800 letter writers from across the country to send out cards, letters and drawings to members of the community who have asked to be included.
    Hilary Shenfeld, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Those gathered were to pause for a moment of silence.
    Alessandro Marazzi Sassoon, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025
  • In a cruel irony, revelers had gathered to welcome a new beginning.
    Matthew Continetti, National Review, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The gains came amid relatively calm moves for Treasury yields in the U.S. bond market.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Warm, funny and generally fairly calm seeming, Nimino doesn’t seem too preoccupied with his virality or with trying to top it.
    Katie Bain, Billboard, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In the clip, which has amassed more than 1 million views since Clement posted it this week, her brother can be seen wearing a fake mustache, sun glasses and a hat.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
  • The owner placed the camera on the ground and stepped back to the open space in the living room in the December 20 clip, which has amassed nearly 7 million views.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near collected

Cite this Entry

“Collected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collected. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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