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
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
Moore, even in her 90s, is quite the babbling brook — twinkly and self-possessed, a calm pathological narcissist, the kind of person who spins out her life like a novel, making stories she’s told a million times sound spontaneous.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 15 Oct. 2024
Shipka also makes an impression as a young woman who seems coolly self-possessed until realizations about her choices sink in; her demonstration of the moves required of dancers in the erotic circus is hilarious.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2024
In person, Harris is dinner and a show: loquacious, feisty and entirely self-possessed, with a diamond-hard sense of self, forged by years of having to defend it.
—Jazmine Hughes, Washington Post, 25 July 2024
On one side, the Glass House, transparent and entirely self-possessed, a work of modernist daring framed in steel and inspired, as Johnson was only too happy to admit, by the designs of his hero, the German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
—Christopher Hawthorne, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2024
But Gauff’s ability—at a mere 19 years of age—to play the fiercest tennis on the tour while remaining almost ridiculously self-possessed is a thing to behold, and should serve her well here.
—Corey Seymour, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2024
Older Rita is still self-possessed but, as written, there’s a distance that smooths the edges, turns her into a saintly figure and saps the character of the charge that keeps someone married for decades.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Feb. 2024
As a world-builder, Regan has made a film every bit as feisty, self-possessed and street-smart as Georgie herself.
—Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 18 Sep. 2023
Emily Labarge, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2025
Moore, even in her 90s, is quite the babbling brook — twinkly and self-possessed, a calm pathological narcissist, the kind of person who spins out her life like a novel, making stories she’s told a million times sound spontaneous.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 15 Oct. 2024
Shipka also makes an impression as a young woman who seems coolly self-possessed until realizations about her choices sink in; her demonstration of the moves required of dancers in the erotic circus is hilarious.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2024
In person, Harris is dinner and a show: loquacious, feisty and entirely self-possessed, with a diamond-hard sense of self, forged by years of having to defend it.
—Jazmine Hughes, Washington Post, 25 July 2024
On one side, the Glass House, transparent and entirely self-possessed, a work of modernist daring framed in steel and inspired, as Johnson was only too happy to admit, by the designs of his hero, the German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
—Christopher Hawthorne, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2024
But Gauff’s ability—at a mere 19 years of age—to play the fiercest tennis on the tour while remaining almost ridiculously self-possessed is a thing to behold, and should serve her well here.
—Corey Seymour, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2024
Older Rita is still self-possessed but, as written, there’s a distance that smooths the edges, turns her into a saintly figure and saps the character of the charge that keeps someone married for decades.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Feb. 2024
As a world-builder, Regan has made a film every bit as feisty, self-possessed and street-smart as Georgie herself.
—Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 18 Sep. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-possessed
Adjective
-
Current conditions are more favorable, with calmer winds allowing the fire department’s helicopters to carry out water drops throughout the night, Kelliher said.—
Amanda Musa,
CNN,
23 Jan. 2025
-
The multicolored stone walls that encompass the wood-burning feature are carried over from the great room to the kitchen as well as other parts of the house, providing a calm cohesiveness.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Located on the state’s southeastern coast, just 30 minutes north of glitzy West Palm Beach, Jupiter enjoys a slower, more serene pace that’s perfect for lazy days of relaxing with a view of the water.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
24 Jan. 2025
-
The effect is often serene and soothing, even when busy, stuttering electronic beats occasionally enter the mix.—
Al Shipley,
SPIN,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Their decision to attend underscores a commitment to the traditions of American democracy, including the peaceful transfer of power.—
Kristen Waggoner,
Newsweek,
21 Jan. 2025
-
With a focus on soft, natural tones, sustainable materials and biophilic elements like plants and greenery, this trend transforms hospitality spaces into peaceful sanctuaries.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes,
21 Jan. 2025
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
Adjective
-
The Razor Crest's heavy laser cannons could tear through most small and medium-sized ships, but its best quality was its size, providing ample space for collected bounties and acting as mobile living quarters for our chromed Mandalorian bounty hunter.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
21 Jan. 2025
-
Nobody asked me, but might there be another book of collected writings by Dan Rodricks in the future?—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Mikey’s got a possessed toilet, a rotten floor, a delivery guy with a net-30 billing schedule, and insufficient staff.—
Marah Eakin,
Vulture,
27 June 2024
-
The two-hour runtime and slow boil storytelling make the full unveiling of Linda Blair’s possessed, demonic Regan all the more devastating, providing a horror monster whose salvation is all too easy to root for.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
17 Sep. 2024
Adjective
-
Look to shades of green like sage, moss, and juniper for a tranquil connection with nature.—
Cyndy Aldred,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Jan. 2025
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But instead of a tranquil stroll in the Pennines of West Yorkshire, Ivy had other ideas and began singing Hey Jude by The Beatles—although her version sounded a little different to the warm and soothing vocals of Paul McCartney.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near self-possessed
Cite this Entry
“Self-possessed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-possessed. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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