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
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.
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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
Watching the film and seeing these many elements somehow cohesively combined, there’s the sense that Smith, who in person is both self-possessed and warm, is always in control.
—Elaina Patton, NBC News, 28 July 2023
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
Watching the film and seeing these many elements somehow cohesively combined, there’s the sense that Smith, who in person is both self-possessed and warm, is always in control.
—Elaina Patton, NBC News, 28 July 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-possessed
Adjective
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Great need can also reduce an ordinarily calm and reflective hunter to a gibbering imbecile.Jack O’Connor, Outdoor Life, 6 Nov. 2024
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On the other end, a scammer impersonates a bank representative with a calm and authoritative tone.Lars Daniel, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Housing up to 14 people, a group of friends or family reunion can enjoy a comfortable space in a serene setting.Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2024
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The figure’s serene posture against the backdrop of the ocean resonated deeply with them, leading to quiet contemplation.Laura Parker, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Trump returns to White House for symbolic meeting President-elect Donald Trump will meet with President Joe Biden today in a symbolic White House ceremony meant to signal the peaceful transfer of power.Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
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The system proved incapable of punishing Trump personally for his concerted, multifaceted refusal to accept his defeat and accept a peaceful transfer of power in 2020.Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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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
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Stay composed and resilient with empathy, which should help ease tension in the room.Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024
Adjective
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These machine learning algorithms can quickly identify patterns and insights in collected data that would normally take much longer for a human eye to catch.Mahshid Ahmadi, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2024
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Also, finding one-of-a-kind art at the thrift is a great way to give a personal, collected look to your space.Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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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
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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
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The Adults-Only concept is catered to couples, offering a tranquil environment with private areas designed for relaxation, perfect after the wedding festivities have finished.Lopesan Costa Bavaro Contributor, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
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Dinner was a feast of arctic char and skagen at the inn’s 130-year-old restaurant, which is open until Christmas and was distinctly tranquil after the summer rush.Madeline Weinfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2024
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 21 Nov. 2024.
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