as in to have
to keep, control, or experience as one's own
she possesses a keen insight into people
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of possess
Philadelphia possessed a 14-point lead heading into the fourth quarter before collapsing, allowing Bo Nix and the Broncos to storm back and leave Lincoln Financial Field with a big win.
—
Cameron Belcher, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
Under Missouri law, the penalty for the first-time offense of armed criminal action is a term of three to 15 years, or five tgo 15 years, if the person unlawfully possessed a firearm.
—Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2025
The curse is a vengeful spirit that possesses a person in a powerful rage before claiming their life and spreading to another victim.
—Caitlin White, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
He was also charged with one count of possessing a loaded firearm inside a vehicle in connection with a December 2021 incident in Erie, Penn., per court records obtained by PEOPLE.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for possess
Cameron Belcher, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
Under Missouri law, the penalty for the first-time offense of armed criminal action is a term of three to 15 years, or five tgo 15 years, if the person unlawfully possessed a firearm.
—Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2025
The curse is a vengeful spirit that possesses a person in a powerful rage before claiming their life and spreading to another victim.
—Caitlin White, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
He was also charged with one count of possessing a loaded firearm inside a vehicle in connection with a December 2021 incident in Erie, Penn., per court records obtained by PEOPLE.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for possess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possess
Verb
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James is one of them, though his kindly attempts to be there for Linda, as amateur repairman and reluctant babysitter, have a way of backfiring, usually on himself.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Although exact details have yet to be released, people familiar with the matter told the Associated Press that Hamas is expected to release all 20 surviving hostages this weekend, while Israeli forces begin withdrawing from most of Gaza.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The leaves start changing in early October in far northern Hokkaido, while in Tokyo and Kyoto, fiery maples and golden gingko can retain their color until late November/early December.—
Kristin Braswell,
AFAR Media,
7 Oct. 2025
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The service up to them has been lacking in quality, but finding a way to retain possession would be helpful.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Jones owns the second most luxurious long-term contract on the team, behind only quarterback Patrick Mahomes.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 Oct. 2025
-
The founders, whose background is in corporate finance, debt restructuring and private banking, together own one-third of the company.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize safety when enjoying the surf.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Oct. 2025
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Senior dogs tend to slow down in their golden years, enjoying a calmer pace of life, but one owner's canine proved that age is just a number.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Possess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possess. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.
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