as in owns
to keep, control, or experience as one's own
she possesses a keen insight into people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 possesses
Neither Nuuk nor Iqaluit possesses the economic or military heft to secure the top of the world alone.
—
Barry Scott Zellen, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026
Long Beach possesses a coastal identity.
—Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Awara’s Natural Luxury Hybrid model is our pick for an affordable option that still possesses noticeable quality.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 11 June 2026
The United States currently possesses very few domestic reserves of the critical minerals required to build modern batteries.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026
The 23-year-old from Michigan, who claimed his first Cup Series victory in April, possesses a combination of talent and confidence that attracts a fervent following.
—Time, 9 June 2026
But he is forced to do so when Eyghon possesses an unconscious Jenny Calendar (Robia LaMorte Scott), Sunnydale’s computer teacher and Giles’ budding love interest.
—ArsTechnica, 7 June 2026
Further ahead, Florian Wirtz is another player who largely struggled to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League in his debut season, but clearly possesses the energy and desire to hassle and harry up the pitch.
—Thom Harris, New York Times, 5 June 2026
On paper, Cuba still possesses Soviet-era MiG-21, MiG-23 and MiG-29 fighters.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026
Barry Scott Zellen, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026
Long Beach possesses a coastal identity.
—Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Awara’s Natural Luxury Hybrid model is our pick for an affordable option that still possesses noticeable quality.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 11 June 2026
The United States currently possesses very few domestic reserves of the critical minerals required to build modern batteries.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026
The 23-year-old from Michigan, who claimed his first Cup Series victory in April, possesses a combination of talent and confidence that attracts a fervent following.
—Time, 9 June 2026
But he is forced to do so when Eyghon possesses an unconscious Jenny Calendar (Robia LaMorte Scott), Sunnydale’s computer teacher and Giles’ budding love interest.
—ArsTechnica, 7 June 2026
Further ahead, Florian Wirtz is another player who largely struggled to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League in his debut season, but clearly possesses the energy and desire to hassle and harry up the pitch.
—Thom Harris, New York Times, 5 June 2026
On paper, Cuba still possesses Soviet-era MiG-21, MiG-23 and MiG-29 fighters.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possesses
Verb
-
Wonder also owns and manages the kitchens, and handles delivery after buying GrubHub in a deal valued at $650 million that closed in 2025.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
10 June 2026
-
Depending on the circumstances, the type of debt involved and the assets a borrower owns, creditors may have other avenues to collect what they're owed.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
The populist Swiss People’s Party, which has the most seats in parliament, has stirred up and fostered anti-migration sentiment over the years, notably about an influx of workers from European Union nations.—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
-
In fact, their entire relationship has an eerie, performative aura.—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
Add perlite, pine bark, coconut coir, or compost to indoor potting mix to make a mixture that retains moisture but doesn’t get waterlogged.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
8 Dec. 2025
-
Decades later, driving the route still retains an air of midcentury Americana, with rustic, throwback park lodging like the Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
In her post, the little black dog wears a red harness and a light blue harness, enjoys a treat, and cuddles up to the Superman actress.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
12 Dec. 2025
-
Active and independent, Yomiah enjoys exploring on his own but also delights in connecting with trusted adults, often reaching for their hands or settling into their laps for comfort and interaction.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Possesses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possesses. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
