as in to have
to keep, control, or experience as one's own
she possesses a keen insight into people
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of possess
Despite the offseason loss of both coordinators, Detroit still possesses a deep roster.
—
Jim Reineking, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Most often it’s considered an evil spirit that preys upon and possesses those who become lost in a literal or metaphorical sense.
—Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
Our generation still possesses experiential knowledge of decision-making processes that predate algorithmic assistance.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
This means that each parent must possess the same gene in order for the disease to present itself in offspring.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for possess
Jim Reineking, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Most often it’s considered an evil spirit that preys upon and possesses those who become lost in a literal or metaphorical sense.
—Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
Our generation still possesses experiential knowledge of decision-making processes that predate algorithmic assistance.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
This means that each parent must possess the same gene in order for the disease to present itself in offspring.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for possess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possess
Verb
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Even though Josh and Arteta have a good relationship, stemming back to when Arteta played for the club, Lewis is the conduit between the club and ownership.—
Dan Sheldon,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
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Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The product launches demonstrate how Europe’s legacy manufacturers are taking the fight to their Chinese rivals, in a bid to both retain market share in the European Union and offset declining sales in China, the world’s largest car market.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
9 Sep. 2025
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While most wellness apps retain just 3–4% of users after a month (30% for human coaches), Wellness Coach keeps 87% engaged.—
Gil Press,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Kohl’s was corporation owned and purchased separately by Carpentersville.—
Gloria Casas,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Sep. 2025
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When that’s the case, the decision about who will own the business next is a profound one.—
Ben Francois,
Harvard Business Review,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The coverage Jaden Hicks isn’t going to enjoy the film.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
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Maybe the decision to enjoy some down time Wednesday helped Alcaraz.—
Howard Fendrich,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Possess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possess. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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