possess

verb

pə-ˈzes How to pronounce possess (audio)
Definition of possessnext
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

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 Love defined this way can be possessed and reported without actually being felt. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Manguchei pleaded to conspiracy to possess a firearm and ammunition as a felon, and was sentenced to 44 months in prison. — Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026 The region already possesses satellites, weather observations, sophisticated climate models, and regional monitoring mechanisms. — Karryl Kim Sagun Trajano, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026 Romo was arrested on July 23 on charges of operating a vehicle while under the influence, as well as allegedly possessing an open container of alcohol in his vehicle and unsafe passing to the right. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for possess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possess
  1. have
  2. retain
  3. own
  4. enjoy
Verb
  • Goff noted that Kansas had a large pool of candidates for the position, including several individuals from pro sports franchises.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • While past British leaders have spent weekends in their local constituencies, or at the prime minister’s official Chequers country retreat, none in living memory has had a large-scale office outside London.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of have
Verb
  • The separation was amicable, with TNA reportedly trying to retain her.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The deal caps a year-long process after the two companies last July retained Wells Fargo to explore a potential sale.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of retain
Verb
  • Chris Elford, who owns a brewery and a cocktail bar downtown, has a lot of regulars who work at Seattle tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft.
    — Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The company that owns the helicopters was not immediately disclosed.
    — Dada Jovanovic, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of own
Verb
  • Drinks, treats and a maker’s market featuring local vendors will be available for all the noncanine attendees to enjoy as well.
    — Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Order the refreshing house specialty, the Valverde Spirit, and enjoy it while sitting amid the chic vintage furniture.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of enjoy

Browse Nearby Words

posses
possess
possessed
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Cite this Entry

“Possess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possess. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on possess

Nglish: Translation of possess for Spanish Speakers

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