Definition of possessivenext
as in jealous
intolerant of rivalry or unfaithfulness he was very possessive of his girlfriend's attention, and it was really starting to annoy her

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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 possessive Over the course of Obsession's 108-minute runtime, Nikki transforms into an self-destructive, possessive, and dangerously violent shadow of her former self as Bear's spell forces her to fixate solely on her unnatural devotion to him—no matter the cost. Megan McCluskey, Time, 15 May 2026 Friends and family members also told investigators that Shirilla and Russo’s relationship had become strained in the months before the crash, marked by arguments and breakups, with some describing Shirilla as possessive in the relationship. Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026 The protagonist is a darkly violent, possessive young man named Jacob Cullen, who works in a manor house. The New Yorker, New Yorker, 6 May 2026 Jeff Probst got possessive about his contestants. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for possessive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possessive
jealous
Adjective
  • Brunson routinely greets Hargitay with an embrace after games — so much so that fellow Knicks superfan Ben Stiller admitted to being jealous of their bond.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026
  • Blyth was nominated in the supporting role as Mildred's spoiled daughter, Veda, who seduces her mother's second husband (Zachary Scott), then riddles him with bullets in a jealous rage.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Possessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possessive. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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