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
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Recent Examples of possess
Despite possessing brains smaller than a sesame seed, bees accomplish this feat with astonishing efficiency.
—
New Atlas, 8 June 2026
Watts was arrested in 2014 for possessing a Glock 9 mm handgun, according to Orange County court records.
—Sara-James Ranta, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2026
The other arrests included a New York fugitive wanted for armed robbery and another felon accused of illegally possessing a firearm, the Sheriff’s Office said.
—Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2026
Out-of-state residents may possess half that much.
—Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for possess
New Atlas, 8 June 2026
Watts was arrested in 2014 for possessing a Glock 9 mm handgun, according to Orange County court records.
—Sara-James Ranta, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2026
The other arrests included a New York fugitive wanted for armed robbery and another felon accused of illegally possessing a firearm, the Sheriff’s Office said.
—Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2026
Out-of-state residents may possess half that much.
—Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for possess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possess
Verb
-
Each puzzle has exactly one solution, so watch out for words or items that seem to belong to multiple categories!—
Mark Cooper,
New York Times,
8 June 2026
-
The designer, who graduated from Polimoda in Florence in 2015, also had a stint at Chanel.—
Laure Guilbault,
Vogue,
8 June 2026
Verb
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Many analysts favor Pashinyan's Civil Contract party to retain control of the parliament, but with many opposition parties running on pro-Russia platforms, the Caucasus nation's place on the international stage has been thrown into the spotlight.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
-
Planting a cover crop around the tree will help the soil retain moisture.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
6 June 2026
Verb
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It’s owned by Frank Rainieri, the founder and developer of Punta Cana.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
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Wonder also owns and manages the kitchens, and handles delivery after buying GrubHub in a deal valued at $650 million that closed in 2025.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Sit inside or outside and enjoy delectable dishes, from Puerto Rican–style crab fritters to a swankier rendition of Mofongo.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 May 2026
-
Basically, no matter how soap-y the show gets, Akerman permits the audience to buy into and sincerely enjoy the Hunting Wives ridiculousness.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Possess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possess. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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