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
Navarrette does her job like a pro, delivering a chilling performance as a possessed lovesick young woman, with the real Nikki being tortured and trying to break free. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 15 May 2026 Whether it was penned by Apa or some Brit with possessed hips, the song soon took off. — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026
Verb
Nabutsilili, 45, said he was possessed by the rainmaking spirit as a 14-year-old boy when his legs mysteriously developed wounds. — Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026 Kain Colter’s generation tried to convince the country that college athletes possessed economic interests worthy of collective representation. — Chris Corr, Sportico.com, 17 Sep. 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
  • The Emma style, a more composed and sensible block-heel pump, is for Elinor (Edgar-Jones).
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • There’s the person who shows up to the executive team meeting, composed and strategic.
    — Nicole DuBois, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of composed
Verb
  • Sentara Health, a hospital system in Virginia with more than $14 billion of revenue, recently went through a contract dispute with Anthem, the health plan owned by Elevance Health.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
  • There is a perception that vineyards and wineries are owned by rich people who don’t need help from the government to survive.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of owned
Adjective
  • Data brokers legally comb the internet for such information, build profiles using the collected information, and sell those profiles to anyone who’ll pay.
    — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Paired with the Emme play table, this duo creates the kind of collected look that feels professionally layered.
    — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 31 July 2026
Definition of collected
Verb
  • My suite was beyond spacious, with a full entryway with desk and wetbar giving way to a seating area; large, plush bed; then a closet and vanity area leading into a massive bathroom—which had a full soaking tub and two pedestal sinks.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The Boss Bottled Beyond fragrance had an avant-première in travel retail, for example.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of had
Adjective
  • Alex just keeps calm, and that’s what Pascal does, more or less, throughout the movie.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The captain's uncle, Kishorbhai Machchhar, told ABC News on Friday that the family still cannot believe how Smit managed to stay so calm and focused.
    — Charlotte Gardiner, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of calm
Verb
  • Even with the unified effort, both Moore’s and Willis’ looks retained their individuality.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • In periods of mild dehydration, when fluids need to be better retained.
    — Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of retained
Adjective
  • Natural light streams into the galleries, ensuring an atmosphere that's always serene and never stuffy.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Some at the memorial took solace in seeing so many like-minded devotees come out to the serene mountain setting to remember the avian matriarch.
    — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of serene
Verb
  • The Ratepayer Protection Act, meant to prevent data centers from raising electricity prices, enjoyed sweeping support in the House from all but three Democrats while all but four of their colleagues in the Senate opposed it.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The sanctions legislation enjoyed broad bipartisan support, with US lawmakers and Ukrainian officials viewing it as a crucial mechanism to put more pressure on Russia to end its war in Ukraine before the winter.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 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 7 Oct. 2026.

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