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
Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025
As possessed people speak in foreign tongues and violence rises, Ahmed fears regaining memory, while the disciple fears his master’s decline may unleash an ancient evil.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025
Richard Goldberg, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative, Israel has likely possessed nuclear weapons since the late 1960s while continuing to avoid official confirmation.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for possessed
Adjective
The Nun pops out of a wall, a demon appears on a bed, crosses start to spin, a possessed figure scampers across the ceiling and a man with an axe cornered me in a random closet.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025
As possessed people speak in foreign tongues and violence rises, Ahmed fears regaining memory, while the disciple fears his master’s decline may unleash an ancient evil.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
Before last summer’s war, the International Atomic Energy Agency estimated that Tehran possessed more than 400 kilograms enriched to 60 percent—dangerously close to weapons-grade and sufficient for roughly 11 nuclear weapons if further enriched.
—Richard Goldberg, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative, Israel has likely possessed nuclear weapons since the late 1960s while continuing to avoid official confirmation.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for possessed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possessed
Adjective
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Before Tuesday night, Konate had looked much more composed and commanding.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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Brown steered that rally with composed, aggressive play at both ends, helping force turnovers on back-to-back Spurs possessions and dishing out four first-quarter assists.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The bill also specifies that the armed volunteers would be able to provide services on any property owned or leased by a religious institution, including property used for education.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
21 Mar. 2026
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South Pars, the Iranian part of the world's largest gas field, is located offshore in the Persian Gulf and owned jointly with Qatar.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The robot will vacuum oil from the water’s surface, return to its base station to discharge the collected oil, and then redeploy to the spill site.—
Ben Coxworth
March 10,
New Atlas,
10 Mar. 2026
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The collected data is then analyzed by an outside statistician before the report is issued.—
Theresa Clift,
Sacbee.com,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In IconArrows pointing outwards CNBC Europe Here’s a look at some of the countries that have had their vessels go through the critical energy route since the war began.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
18 Mar. 2026
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Rookie center Maxime Raynaud had a career-high 32 points and nine rebounds for the Kings (18-52), who had won four of their last five games.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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August 23 – September 22 Clear agreements start with calm words.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
15 Mar. 2026
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On top of the pool and beach, where the sea is calm and swimmable, the resort has an incredibly engaging kids program called Nature Discovery, where older kids can go sailing and mountain biking while younger kids can learn to sail and take kitesurfing lessons.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The home was converted into apartments in 1951 but retained some of the original grandeur that probably wooed the Morgan clan, too (high ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace, in particular).—
Matthew Sedacca,
Curbed,
16 Mar. 2026
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Bangladesh retained the same side for the third successive game, keeping faith in its three-man pace attack — Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana and Mustafizur Rahman.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Her wavy hair swept back, the award-winning actress looked serene and thoroughly at home in her evening’s choice.—
Gretta Monahan,
Boston Herald,
19 Mar. 2026
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At the center of it all, with its estates and postcard vistas, is Merritt Island (population around 35,000), projecting an air of serene insularity.—
Adam Ciralsky,
Vanity Fair,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Up top, the sundeck is equipped with a sliding-door windbreaker, which means it can be enjoyed even if the weather isn’t playing ball.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
17 Mar. 2026
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The stout is typically served on draft — widely considered the preferred method — but it can also be enjoyed from a can.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Possessed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possessed. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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