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

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 collected
Adjective
Even if your host doesn't mind if guests run late, giving yourself extra time before events will help you to feel more collected rather than rushed. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2025 Volunteers will pick up the debris, bag it and pile the bags so the Overland Park Parks and Recreation crews can pick up and properly dispose of the collected trash. Debra Skodack, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2025 The collected data serves as part of ongoing model training for better model development. Saurav Bhattacharya, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 The collected information will be used to update the airline's aircraft balance and loading calculations for the period from 2025 to 2030. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for collected
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collected
Adjective
  • The speech was met with interruptions from hecklers, prompting Kennedy to remain composed and even express gratitude for the lessons learned from such interactions.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The resort’s composed, perfectionist manager who returned to Japan after years in New York’s hospitality industry.
    Martine Paris, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
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
  • These shipments have skirted until now not only his new tariffs, including a 10 percent tax on all goods from China, but also many other tariffs that have accumulated over the years.
    Keith Bradsher, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Late socialite and multi-hyphenate Gloria Vanderbilt was born into the uppermost echelons of American society during the 1920s, inheriting her family’s vast wealth and influence accumulated during the Gilded Age via the railroad and shipping industries.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2025
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
  • Eight food establishments in Dallas failed health inspections due to violations including live flies and roaches, according to city data compiled by the Star-Telegram.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This dump and bake casserole can be assembled in just 10 minutes and cooks in just one pan.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Just two episodes into his new podcast, Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom has already assembled quite a roster of high-profile guests who oppose transgender rights.
    Abby Monteil, Them, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Staying ahead of adversaries requires access to real-time, actionable insights gathered from industry partners, regulatory bodies and cybersecurity experts.
    Francis Dinha, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Russia’s defense ministry claimed that Friday’s strike had killed 85 Ukrainian and Western military officers gathered at the restaurant near the playground.
    Daria Mitiuk Finbarr O’Reilly, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Three Palestinians in Gaza told Reuters early on Monday afternoon that there had been calm since midday, with no sound of drones or warplanes.
    James Mackenzie, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • In an Instagram reel, Chenoa, 26, is seen holding her daughter as the baby gazes upwards with a calm expression.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • The retirement benefits involve a legacy of debt amassed largely over seven decades between 1939 and 2010.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Her March 11 post on Mumsnet quickly amassed hundreds of comments from fellow parents, many of whom related and sided with her.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Collected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collected. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

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