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 The nation's chief rivals in the space domain, China and Russia, possess advanced counterspace technologies as well. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Sep. 2026 Information was scarce, and those who possessed it held a clear advantage. — Nick Leighton, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026 Cutting overseas dependency China possesses extensive rubidium and cesium reserves locked inside specialty lithium ores and salt-lake brines. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2026 Cells possess sophisticated systems for repairing damage, maintaining our repertoire of proteins, recycling components and regulating metabolism. — Venki Ramakrishnan, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for possess

Recent Examples of Synonyms for possess

Verb

Book the white, cream, and silver Diaghilev suite, which has double doors that open onto a small balcony with the bay of Positano at your feet.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
On Friday, the pope strongly reiterated the Church's pro-life teachings, criticizing initiatives to allow assisted dying for those who have incurable illnesses.

— Joshua McElwee, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of have

Verb

For all its trials and tribulations, Chicagoland retains enviable advantages vis-a-vis other metro areas, but its growth over more than a decade seriously lags many of those peer regions.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
Competitive compensation helps Broward recruit and retain the talented teachers and education professionals our children deserve.

— Roberto Fernandez III, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of retain

Verb

Federal officials allege that the companies used the funds from the loans to repay outstanding business loans borrowed by a separate Wolak and Lentini-owned company, which was prohibited under the terms of the loans.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
The choice for the bell was intuitive, going back to the logo for Illinois Bell (now owned by AT&T), which featured, yes, a bell.

— Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of own

Verb

The rest of the women have pretty much accepted Vicki’s temperament by now and mostly operate around her, enjoying the refreshing Miami energy after the bumpiness of the previous parties.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
The radical AfD in Germany and moderating National Rally in France are both focused on ending immigration and enjoy support from voters wary of escalating conflict with Russia.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 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 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of possess

verb

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