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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
Hur cited that remark as evidence that Biden possessed classified material at his Virginia rental home after leaving office. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 27 July 2026 In the first half, the Spanish side possessed the ball 62% of the time, with Argentinian great Leonel Messi only touching the ball once. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 19 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
  • Barbie’s hair choices, too, are ever so composed and elegant.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of composed
Verb
  • The Texas Super Kings are owned by Anurag Jain and Ross Perot Jr.
    — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Dan Gilbert's Rock Entertainment Group, which has owned the Cavaliers since 2005, paid a $250 million expansion fee for Cleveland's return to the WNBA.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of owned
Adjective
  • 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
  • For several years, large majorities of Americans have reported being concerned about how companies use their data, while also having minimal understanding of how collected data is actually used.
    — David Henkin, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of collected
Verb
  • While Eddie and the singer famously had their disagreements, Roth paid tribute to his bandmate after the guitarist’s death.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Farinacci had matches and a butane lighter when he was detained, Nowels said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of had
Adjective
  • Strikes in the region have been relatively calmer over the past few days, although Kuwait said Iran hit a building belonging to a Chinese company in the northern part of the country on Thursday, killing one employee.
    — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The patented, portable Ready Rocker is ergonomically designed to help alleviate discomfort, relieve back pain, reduce stress, calm anxiety and improve sleep, fitting both deep and shallow seating with two rocking positions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of calm
Verb
  • The look was styled by Jason Bolden and retained some of the key elements seen on the runway.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 30 July 2026
  • Two years later and after just a handful of days back in the gym, the former Olympic all-around champion clearly retained her elite ability.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of retained
Adjective
  • Muluk Spa is relatively compact with serene treatment rooms illuminated by flickering candle-like lights.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026
  • This stunning Amalfi Coast boutique hotel overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea, and guests can enjoy their complimentary meal on a serene terrace.
    — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of serene
Verb
  • The extraordinary allegation offers a window into the waning days of an increasingly hostile primary race to replace Kelly, who has enjoyed broad popularity throughout her eight years in office.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
  • The polar bears, who were born in Nuremberg, Germany, 16 years ago and have adapted to the European climate, were the ones who enjoyed it the most.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 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 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on possessed

Nglish: Translation of possessed for Spanish Speakers

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