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
Now, a new study suggests that such make-believe play is not a uniquely human talent, but a skill that great apes also possess.
—
Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Leaders with high emotional intelligence possess strong levels of self-awareness and can recognize, understand and regulate their own emotions.
—Paul Vanderbroeck, Big Think, 9 Feb. 2026
The Patriots had overcome Maye’s uneven play in playoff wins over the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans and Denver Broncos, all of whom possess top-tier defenses.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2026
Lester Speight, the actor who plays Terry Tate, possesses the delivery and timing of a true comic master.
—Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for possess
Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Leaders with high emotional intelligence possess strong levels of self-awareness and can recognize, understand and regulate their own emotions.
—Paul Vanderbroeck, Big Think, 9 Feb. 2026
The Patriots had overcome Maye’s uneven play in playoff wins over the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans and Denver Broncos, all of whom possess top-tier defenses.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2026
Lester Speight, the actor who plays Terry Tate, possesses the delivery and timing of a true comic master.
—Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for possess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possess
Verb
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Known for combining high fashion with streetwear, Bad Bunny has a reputation for adventurous and subversive style.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
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Judges in counties with the program have a list of OFR attorneys who can be contacted and paid through legislative appropriations, rather than through court funds.—
Raynee Howell,
Oklahoma Watch,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The company expects to close a deal in the spring to sell 60% of its China business to Boyu Capital, while retaining a 40% stake.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
8 Feb. 2026
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The next year, he was appointed sheriff, but lost an election in 2016 to retain the position.—
Peter D'Abrosca , Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The audio-first company, which is owned by the Graham family — the Post’s owners before Bezos — plans to introduce original reporting, and will pick up some local beats, including sports and metro coverage.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
5 Feb. 2026
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In the film, O’Hara’s Cookie and her hapless husband, Gerry (played by Eugene Levy), own a Norwich terrier named Winky who is competing for best in show.—
Michaela Zee,
Variety,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Ready to enjoy softer strands and skip the greasy feeling?—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
6 Feb. 2026
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This selection of quick and easy appetizers will have you out of the kitchen in no time, and enjoying the fun with your friends and family.—
Mary Alice Russell,
Southern Living,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Possess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possess. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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