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

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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 Bates was sentenced to three consecutive life terms on charges of possessing the images, plus 40 years to be served concurrently on a charge of online solicitation of a minor, according to the statement. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026 Google possesses a virtual monopoly on global search data, massive infrastructure margins, and a treasury larger than the GDP of many nations. — New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026 Earlier this year, he was found guilty of intentionally possessing a slave at his Point Cook home and depriving her of basic human rights, including food, sleep and medical assistance. — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026 Your veteran team members possess invaluable wisdom regarding conflict resolution, long-term strategy and relational intelligence. — Kent Ingle, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for possess

Recent Examples of Synonyms for possess

Verb

The confusion could muddy the narrative of having the best models in the market that OpenAI would no doubt like to present ahead of a possible 2027 IPO.

— Emily Forlini, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
Its rich, satisfying lather has a light citrus scent to make wash days feel just a little more elevated.

— Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of have

Verb

The budget is likely to retain a focus on devolution, greater public control of public services and more private sector partnerships, but contain little to change the macro outlook, Monks said in a note Monday.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
Had Woltemade not headed out, Newcastle may have had to pivot to an alternative, or opt to retain funds for January.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of retain

Verb

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway owns BNSF, and the railroad is a fierce critic of Vena’s takeover bid for Norfolk Southern.

— John Lippert, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
According to court documents, Kenneth Charles Kessler III, 43, of Miami, and Michael Andrew Gomez, 43, of Miramar, owned and operated seven durable medical equipment supply companies based in Florida.

— Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of own

Verb

Aston Villa and Chelsea, for example, exchanged four players over the summer, with The Athletic reporting that the two organisations enjoy a strong relationship.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Home to the world’s largest Japanese diaspora, as well as sizeable Korean and Chinese communities, the Brazilian megacity of São Paulo is one of the best places outside Asia to enjoy Asian food, said Austin Bush in Travel + Leisure.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of enjoy

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posses

possess

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“Possess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possess. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of possess

verb

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