as in to have
to keep, control, or experience as one's own
she possesses a keen insight into people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
The measure was condemned for its disproportionate impact on African Americans, who were more likely to possess crack than the more expensive cocaine.
—
Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
The United States no longer possesses a military that is capable of fighting and defeating all its foes simultaneously.
—A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
The final form of the galaxy, despite the illustration here, is more likely to be a gas-rich, disk-possessing galaxy than the elliptical one shown, as only a small percentage of major mergers lead to a red-and-dead, gas-free elliptical final state.
—Big Think, 14 Mar. 2025
The study, on dog domestication, found that dogs possess two mutations of a gene known as melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R), which is linked to the production of cortisol, a hormone released during moments of fear or anxiety.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for possess
Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
The United States no longer possesses a military that is capable of fighting and defeating all its foes simultaneously.
—A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
The final form of the galaxy, despite the illustration here, is more likely to be a gas-rich, disk-possessing galaxy than the elliptical one shown, as only a small percentage of major mergers lead to a red-and-dead, gas-free elliptical final state.
—Big Think, 14 Mar. 2025
The study, on dog domestication, found that dogs possess two mutations of a gene known as melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R), which is linked to the production of cortisol, a hormone released during moments of fear or anxiety.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for possess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possess
Verb
-
Elsewhere, Colorado does have strict policies in place for its athletics Hall of Fame.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2025
-
Choose your battles wisely—some arguments aren’t worth winning (or having).—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
Current borrowers should retain access to IBR, depending on legislative outcomes.—
Robert Farrington,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Save Bear Creek Lake Park retained the legal services of water expert James Eklund, who was director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board from 2013-17.—
John Meyer,
Denver Post,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
SpaceX and Blue Origin are already owned by billionaires who have total decision-making authority.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
2 May 2025
-
Of the three Los Angeles homes Swift has owned over the years, this pedigreed residence stands as the crown jewel.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
2 May 2025
Verb
-
Buckwheat Though technically a seed, buckwheat is enjoyed in the same way as whole grains.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Francis enjoyed immense popularity with rank-and-file Catholics during his 12-year papacy but struggled with conservative church hierarchy, sometimes finding himself at odds with traditional voices within the Curia.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Possess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possess. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share