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
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According to the National Weather Service, gusts could reach 50 to 60 mph. PREVIOUS, Jan. 17: Cooler temperatures and calm winds enabled firefighters to expand containment on the Palisades and Eaton fires Friday, as some residents were being allowed to return to their homes.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
4 Feb. 2025
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At Xanterra’s sites, for example, retirement-age workers interact particularly well with customers and stay calm under pressure, Dierenbach said.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
2 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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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
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The effect is often serene and soothing, even when busy, stuttering electronic beats occasionally enter the mix.—
Al Shipley,
SPIN,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The Outer Space Treaty outlines principles for the peaceful exploration and use of outer space and celestial bodies.—
Wayne N White Jr,
The Conversation,
31 Jan. 2025
-
While Assad’s collapse represents a victory, Trump should manage a responsible transition that redirects Syrian chemical weapons scientists towards peaceful endeavors.—
Andrew Kishuni,
Orlando Sentinel,
31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Being intentional about staying calm and composed projects confidence without saying a word.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes,
14 Jan. 2025
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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 collected data will shed light on how species adapt and recolonize—or don’t.—
Anton Sorokin,
Smithsonian Magazine,
5 Feb. 2025
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The law was reauthorized for two additional years in 2024 after months of debate over whether law enforcement should be required to obtain a warrant to search the collected data for Americans’ information.—
Mike Brest,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
In a possessed rush, Tyler storms up the stairwell, down the corridor and enters the bedroom to tackle Ryan, who has already killed one of Chloe’s friends and staged it as an overdose.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
25 Jan. 2025
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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
Adjective
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Moving at a tranquil pace, Shyne primarily watches Head and Carlie Williams, an 89-year-old farmer in Thomas County, Georgia, tend to their land and their people.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
25 Jan. 2025
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The patio is a tranquil haven that feels miles away from the traditional street food stalls, noisy cafes, and always-busy Mercado de Medellín just below it.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
23 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 8 Feb. 2025.
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