possessed 1 of 2

adjective

pə-ˈzest How to pronounce possessed (audio)
Definition of possessednext
as in composed
free from emotional or mental agitation remarkably poised and possessed in the midst of all the turmoil

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

possessed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of possess
as in owned
to keep, control, or experience as one's own she possesses a keen insight into people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 possessed
Adjective
Whether it was penned by Apa or some Brit with possessed hips, the song soon took off. — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026 During the interviews, officers confirmed that 27 of the 28 individuals had either received, sent, possessed or transported child pornography, according to the statement. — Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Verb
Chunks of flesh fly after a weirdly convoluted introduction to a family possessed. — ABC News, 8 July 2026 The Americans possessed experienced leadership, world-class talent and a locker room that consistently competed with volleyball's traditional powers, including Poland, Italy, Brazil and France. — Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for possessed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possessed
  1. composed
  2. owned
  3. collected
  4. had
  5. calm
  6. retained
  7. serene
  8. enjoyed
Adjective
  • Replacement Ryunosuke Ito, plucked from Meiji University, had a composed debut, including laying on a try for Matsunaga, who was five for five off the tee.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • After opening the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles, the United States followed it with a composed 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle.
    — Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
Definition of composed
Verb
  • The complex is owned by a real estate investment trust, Highlands REIT, and was opened in the 2000s.
    — Alan Gionet, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • It was made by rich landowners who owned slaves, and it was designed to protect their power, not give ordinary people a real vote.
    — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2026
Definition of owned
Adjective
  • The collected luggage includes roller bags, duffel bags, suitcases and backpacks.
    — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
  • That changed in 2018, when the Council passed Helen Rosenthal’s bill encouraging New Yorkers to report idling violations by requiring the city to publicize the process and pay them 25% of any collected fines for their efforts.
    — Chris Hartmann, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026
Definition of collected
Verb
  • Over the last few weeks, the 76ers have had several conversations with James’ representation, led by Rich Paul.
    — Tony Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition said the young man who was killed was authorized to work in the US and had a social security number.
    — Caroll Alvarado, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Definition of had
Adjective
  • Sant Pol de Mar swaps crowded stretches of sand for quieter coves, whitewashed buildings and a noticeably calmer atmosphere than Barcelona.
    — Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • If a friend vents loudly, listen first and encourage calmer options before weighing in.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2026
Definition of calm
Verb
  • This means that even atomic versions of oxygen and nitrogen would be retained.
    — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026
  • His family has retained a lawyer and sued the Brentwood Police Department, accusing it of killing her and injuring her head during the arrest.
    — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 15 July 2026
Definition of retained
Adjective
  • Top 5 Can’t Miss Unwind after a day of hiking at the Posthotel in Leavenworth, an adults-only retreat known for its serene spa experience.
    — Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
  • For all its medical precision, Mayrlife is a serene and comforting place to stay.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
Definition of serene
Verb
  • Canha enjoyed his time on the show but said cooking under a time constraint proved to be about as difficult as hitting a 100 mph fastball.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
  • Last year, the club ripped off 10 straight games entering the break and enjoyed notable surges the prior seasons as well.
    — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 15 July 2026
Definition of enjoyed

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Cite this Entry

“Possessed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possessed. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on possessed

Nglish: Translation of possessed for Spanish Speakers

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