as in composed
free from emotional or mental agitation
remarkably poised and possessed in the midst of all the turmoil
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of possessed
Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025
How to describe the romantic ski weekend montage involving a possessed snowman, in what seems to be an homage to the Wham!
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 1 Aug. 2025
Karl Ove Knausgaard, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
The founders, responding to anti-Federalist anxieties about an overbearing central government, added this language to emphasize that the new government possessed only limited powers.
—Andrea Katz, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for possessed
Adjective
The best sequences allow for some building of suspense, like the fate of Gautama’s flunky while closing the family shop at night, or an episode when Tika is chased by her possessed mother in their house.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025
How to describe the romantic ski weekend montage involving a possessed snowman, in what seems to be an homage to the Wham!
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
In his novelistic universe, human beings are governed by emotions, driven by desire, unpredictable, imperfect, fallible—but also possessed of enormous power.
—Karl Ove Knausgaard, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
The founders, responding to anti-Federalist anxieties about an overbearing central government, added this language to emphasize that the new government possessed only limited powers.
—Andrea Katz, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for possessed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possessed
Adjective
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Senne Lammens continuing his composed start to his United career could at least counteract those types of chances for Brighton, while Amorim’s defenders will need to be astute to the movement of Hurzeler’s front-line.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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Only on particularly bumpy tarmac did the GTS-spec suspension become too jarring with the adaptive dampers stiffened up in sport mode, but switching them to normal offered the best of both worlds—excellent, composed body control and tuning that ironed out imperfections remarkably well.—
Peter Nelson,
Robb Report,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Police say the fake was likely a copy from the 20th century owned by an 84-year-old Swiss woman, who is now also under investigation by German and Swiss authorities.—
NPR,
NPR,
26 Oct. 2025
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Remember, the guy who owned Studio 54?—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The collected premium cushions downside risk and enhances the effective yield on capital at risk.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
27 Oct. 2025
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Different birds, different behaviors The collected recordings were analyzed by BirdNET, an AI system that can identify bird species based on their calls.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Upstairs, the primary bedroom had its own balcony with expansive views of the Caribbean Sea and the pool.—
Jacqui Gifford,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Oct. 2025
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Schumer wore a short Miu Miu button-down shirt dress and black heels — and the comments had kind words for her fitness progress.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The dogs' job on marathon day will be to calm race-day jitters at the starting line, where runners can feel overwhelmed or nervous about the trek ahead.—
Kelli Bender,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
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If caught in a rip current, remain calm.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Sarah retained her Duchess of York title following her divorce.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
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Under the deal, Microsoft has gained a 27% stake and retained access to OpenAI’s technology through 2032, including any AGI models verified by an independent panel.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Imposing granite cliff faces like Half Dome and El Capitan, serene meadows and forests, and the picturesque Merced River, all tend to come to mind.—
Cu Fleshman,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
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Researchers at the University of Arizona later observed that green light—which is strongly reflected at us by plants—also triggers a release of natural opioids, promoting a serene state.—
Rowan Jacobsen,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Lili Reinhart, Madelaine Petsch, and KJ Apa enjoyed a mini Riverdale reunion at their former costar Camila Mendes' surprise engagement party over the weekend.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Oct. 2025
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The slightly older cohort of Gen Zers enjoyed thousands more open roles and half the competition that their peers face today.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Possessed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possessed. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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