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
Since there are so few walls, surfaces and pieces of furniture in the intimate place, every single element was carefully considered to feel layered in a collected vintage style inspired in part by Vowels’s grandmother. Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2024 Hanging onto antique pieces will create a collected and intentional look in your home that will not fade with passing trends. Claire Hoppe, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2024 Parry died in 2018, leaving behind all of his collected files, including 23 gigabytes of documents. Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2024 Key for any whistleblower looking at going to Tax Court is to reflect on whether the facts support a finding that the information was sent to the field, and that the IRS took action based on the whistleblower’s information and the action resulted in collected proceeds. Dean Zerbe, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for collected 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collected
Adjective
  • Previous seasons have highlighted how the club could do with a reliable, composed and proven goalscorer like Toney.
    Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 16 Aug. 2024
  • This leader knows when to lean in, signaling approachability, and when to maintain a composed silence, showcasing quiet confidence.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • The second app, from the phishing sites people were directed to, contained the live web-app trading platform.
    Davey Winder, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
  • The report found Quan’s system contained a toxic mix of drugs at the time of his death, which included fentanyl, alprazolam, codeine, promethazine and THC.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • The collection, which was originally accumulated between 1893 and 1910 by hotel proprietor, Ludvig Emil Andersen, features 42 figureheads and carved ornaments all hand-carved from solid mahogany.
    Lois Alter Mark, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024
  • In the middle of the nineteenth century, filth of every kind accumulated on the streets of New York.
    Michael Luo, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • The following weekly digest is written and compiled by the Trans Formations Project, a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to tracking and educating about the anti-trans legislative crisis currently sweeping the United States.
    Trans Formations Project, Them, 4 Oct. 2024
  • During Francona’s 11-year tenure in Cleveland, the club won one pennant, reached the post-season six times, and in 2017 compiled a 22-game winning streak, an American League record.
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Cost of ancillary products and assembled components increased to $342,865 from $187,841, reflecting the component costs associated with the rise in perpetual license sales of progressive gaming systems.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
  • In London, the crowd assembled near a statue of Peter Pan, where handmade signs, balloons, and flowers were placed to honor Payne.
    Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Let’s Go Washington reported how much money was paid to APM, but did not specify how APM may or may not have spent some of the money on subcontractors who could have gathered signatures.
    Carleen Johnson | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Oct. 2024
  • The exhibition’s preview gathered a glitzy crowd with Honor Swinton Byrne, Phoebe Philo’s daughter Maya Wigram, Simone Ashley and Daniel Levy in attendance.
    Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 4 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • In years where solar activity is calmer, pockets of cold air form high in the atmosphere, which results in colder winters and stronger easterly winds over northern Europe and the northern U.S..
    Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 7 Nov. 2024
  • The first night was calm and he was just getting used to his new environment, but the next morning everything was different.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • In the interim, Horowitz tried to sell the archive amassed by Sanders, a member of the influential band the Fugs and a chronicler of the Manson family.
    Tad Friend, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024
  • Bared has amassed a cult-like following in its native country, delivering customer service beyond expectations.
    Yola Robert, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near collected

Cite this Entry

“Collected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collected. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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