Synonyms of possess

possess

verb

pə-ˈzes 

as in to have

to keep, control, or experience as one's own

she possesses a keen insight into people

Synonyms & Similar Words

• have
• retain
• own
• enjoy
• hold
• command
• keep
• carry
• withhold
• rejoice in
• reserve
• boast
• sport
• bear
• show off

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• want
• lack
• relinquish
• yield
• renounce
• abandon
• surrender
• require
• discard
• need
• reject
• dump
• cede
• disclaim
• hand over
• repudiate
• decline
• disown
• spurn

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of possess

The high court will decide whether the Second and 14th amendments protect the right to possess semi-automatic rifles like the AR-15. — Robert Spitzer, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026

He was also expected to face a felony drug-possession charge involving two or more prior convictions and misdemeanor charge of being under the influence of drugs and possessing drug paraphernalia, according to jail records. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Africa possesses enormous energy resources, including offshore oil and gas fields along the coasts of Namibia and South Africa and copper—which is used in electric grids—in central Africa. — Jared Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026

The Justice Department argued that the decision demonstrated that Congress possesses at least some authority to establish voter qualifications in federal elections. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026