POSSESSED Synonyms: 125 Similar and Opposite Words

possessed 1 of 2

adjective

pə-ˈzest

Definition of possessed

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

In Jennifer’s Body, Needy (Seyfried) is BFFs with the titular mean girl played by Fox, whose body becomes possessed by a succubus with a taste for teen boys after a botched sacrifice by a devil-worshipping boy band (led by Adam Brody). — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Two and a half years ago, my colleagues Jeremy Rutherford and Chris Johnston published this in-depth feature on a then-sharp and sudden rise in no-trade and no-movement clauses possessed by NHL players. — James Mirtle, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for possessed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for possessed

Adjective

The British singer, 27, composed and co-wrote the lyrics with Bastian Langebæk and Max Wolfgang, according to the song credits on Spotify.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
The Emma style, a more composed and sensible block-heel pump, is for Elinor (Edgar-Jones).

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of composed

Verb

The finance director, who owned the home for 21 years, initially put the house on the market in April 2025 for $750,000.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Nowhere is this audience fragmentation clearer than in tech media, which is increasingly dominated by largely sycophantic media outlets owned by the decisionmakers themselves.

— Max Tani, semafor.com, 25 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

Drew Doughty had a goal and two assists, and Artemi Panarin added a power-play goal and an assist as the Kings beat the New York Rangers 6-3 on Monday night.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
When presented with the findings, the Republican National Committee said the party hasn’t had enough time to fix the affordability crisis inherited from Democratic leadership.

— Amy L. Wong, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of had

Adjective

This week, curfews were imposed in some cities to help maintain calm.

— Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
There’s also a level of anxiety about potential confrontations at the polls, but so far, local elections officials say things are calm.

— Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of calm

Verb

Despite a heavy airstrike campaign and a large ground offensive, Houthi rebels have retained control over key locations and have continued launching missiles and drones at their adversaries.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
The team retained approximately 8 petabytes for scientific analysis.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of retained

Adjective

On his latest solo album, the Tonstartssbandht guitarist/vocalist crafts a serene, psychedelic opus that invites us to become immersed.

— Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
On the bottom level, a soundproof movie theater and 1,000-bottle wine cellar join a wellness wing with a gym, sauna, and serene rock waterfall.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of serene

Verb

Areas away from Chesapeake Bay have enjoyed abundant sunshine Thursday with a refreshing breeze and highs around 70°.

— Steven Sosna, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
His youthful face belies his ability to play in one of the most demanding positions on the field, defensive midfield, a spot usually reserved for senior professionals who’ve enjoyed decades of experience.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of enjoyed

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Style

“Possessed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possessed. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of possessed

adjective

verb

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