POSSESS Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

possess

verb

pə-ˈzes

Definition of possess

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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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 possess From Tokyo’s perspective, there was no way of knowing whether the United States possessed two bombs—or twenty. — James M. Scott, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 The country’s current licensing regime lacks mental health screening for people applying to possess a gun, allows people as young as 20 to hold weapons and does not require periodic reassessments for license holders, according to experts. — Reuters, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026 Webber possessed the size and skill Nellie coveted, but there were personality issues. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Aug. 2026 Not every doctor who offers hair transplants possesses the right training. — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for possess

Recent Examples of Synonyms for possess

Verb

The bedroom is on floor one, the first door on the right (that door, by the way, has three peepholes carved seemingly at random), and is bedecked in reddish wood.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026
Nixon surrendered 50 receptions in coverage and had 72 tackles (58 solos).

— Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of have

Verb

Restorations have allowed the hotel to retain its historic charm while adapting to modern comforts.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
The Colts retained Pierce on a four-year, $114 million contract in March, which is the richest free-agent receiver contract in NFL history.

— James Boyd, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of retain

Verb

Along with those who died, more than 20 people were injured in Thailand’s worst mass shooting since 2022, which has reignited debate over firearms control in Southeast Asia’s largest gun-owning nation.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
The largest fire has been reported in the village of Sungai Gelam in the Muaro Jambi district, where dozens of hectares of oil palm plantations owned by local residents have been destroyed.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of own

Verb

Jewel enjoys a casual summer day while shopping at the What Goes Around Comes Around pop-up in Aspen.

— People Staff, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
There are certainly plenty of spots along the banks from which to take in the view, but it is best enjoyed from the deck of your own river cruise, which are plentiful and can be surprisingly cheap.

— CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of enjoy

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posses

possess

possessed

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“Possess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possess. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of possess

verb

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