Synonyms of possess

possess

verb

pə-ˈzes 

as in to have

to keep, control, or experience as one's own

she possesses a keen insight into people

Synonyms & Similar Words

• have
• retain
• own
• enjoy
• hold
• command
• keep
• carry
• withhold
• rejoice in
• reserve
• boast
• sport
• bear
• show off

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• want
• lack
• relinquish
• yield
• renounce
• abandon
• surrender
• require
• discard
• need
• reject
• dump
• cede
• disclaim
• hand over
• repudiate
• decline
• disown
• spurn

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of possess

By owning the actual planes, trucks and sorting hubs required to move goods globally, these companies possess a structural advantage and a level of operational scale that new competitors cannot replicate overnight. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 10 July 2026

The story follows a woman grappling with the recent loss of her husband, only to discover that his body has become possessed by a Deadite. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 10 July 2026

Many African countries possess significant natural resources, entrepreneurial talent and economic potential. — Babajide Ojuola, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Ying also went by the names Jason Wang, Austin Chen and Alan Fujimori and possessed a fake California ID and two library cards under those names, prosecutors said. — Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 9 July 2026