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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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 Sadiq, especially, possesses significant speed at his position. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 Hollander plays Judge Jack Taylor, an authoritative man who weighs his words carefully, possessing both the warmth and charm of a country preacher and the cold edge of a cult leader. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026 Mark Salling, who played Noah Puckerman, died at 35 in 2018 in what appeared to be a suicide after pleading guilty to possessing child pornography. — Saba Hamedy, NBC news, 21 Oct. 2026 Good leadership is not about exercising every power the Board possesses. — Beth Davis Sramek, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for possess

Recent Examples of Synonyms for possess

Verb

The former electronic music has roots in disco, dub reggae, hip-hop—traditions in which the DJ, in search of records fresher and wilder than those in rival crates, is a central figure, urging producers to new heights of ingenuity.

— Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2026
That's why parties involved in elections have their own monitors, who have been trained as the feds have.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of have

Verb

Among the 19 lineups around the NBA that entered Friday with at least 40 minutes played together this season, the Heat’s starting lineup owned the worst net rating.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2026
Walter bought a majority ownership stake in the Lakers in 2025 from the Buss family, who had owned the Lakers for more than four decades, for an evaluation of $10 billion.

— Broderick Turner Follow, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of own

Verb

Just a day earlier, he’d been spotted enjoying a pre-birthday dinner at Mamo in Manhattan, wrapped in a chestnut-brown fringed shawl that wouldn’t have looked out of place in Sienna Miller’s fall wardrobe.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026
The Dolphins had run 293 offensive snaps and not enjoyed an advantage at any point in any of them.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of possess

verb

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