as in owns
to keep, control, or experience as one's own
she possesses a keen insight into people
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Recent Examples of possesses
Minnesota still possesses enough perimeter defensive talent to pester opponents on a nightly basis.
—
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 18 Mar. 2026
Although the top of the order had come back around, the right-hander only needed one out and possesses one of the best breaking balls in the bullpen.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026
Isabella possesses exceptional technical skill, a refined sense of musicality, and an ability to deliver performances that are both precise and deeply expressive.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Musiel possesses extensive experience in estate planning, appraisal assignments, and understands the critical valuation nuances that directly impact tax positioning, wealth transfer strategy, and long-term asset preservation, too.
—Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
Awara’s Natural Luxury Hybrid model is our pick for an affordable option that still possesses noticeable quality.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026
From Syracuse’s perspective, Murray, who is from nearby Connecticut, has won at the highest level and possesses both Big East and ACC experience, checks every box.
—Brendan Marks, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Trump suggested other countries could have struck the school, falsely claiming that Iran possesses Tomahawk missiles like the one believed to have been used in the attack.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
Kepley, the Cubs’ second-round draft pick last year, possesses elite contact and swing decisions.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 18 Mar. 2026
Although the top of the order had come back around, the right-hander only needed one out and possesses one of the best breaking balls in the bullpen.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026
Isabella possesses exceptional technical skill, a refined sense of musicality, and an ability to deliver performances that are both precise and deeply expressive.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Musiel possesses extensive experience in estate planning, appraisal assignments, and understands the critical valuation nuances that directly impact tax positioning, wealth transfer strategy, and long-term asset preservation, too.
—Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
Awara’s Natural Luxury Hybrid model is our pick for an affordable option that still possesses noticeable quality.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026
From Syracuse’s perspective, Murray, who is from nearby Connecticut, has won at the highest level and possesses both Big East and ACC experience, checks every box.
—Brendan Marks, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Trump suggested other countries could have struck the school, falsely claiming that Iran possesses Tomahawk missiles like the one believed to have been used in the attack.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
Kepley, the Cubs’ second-round draft pick last year, possesses elite contact and swing decisions.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possesses
Verb
-
Every character has an adorable quirk or two, or at minimum owns a dorky T-shirt with a periodic table joke or a cartoon cat.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Mar. 2026
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The company’s high-end department store has benefited from luxury shoppers seeking alternatives while rival Saks Global Enterprises, which owns Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, winds its way through a bankruptcy.—
Bloomberg Wire,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The deal, which awaits regulatory approval, has Hollywood bracing for more layoffs.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 Mar. 2026
-
But in his first season on the Main Line, Kevin Willard has the Wildcats back in the Big Dance.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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For now, King retains his longtime employees, who, in the wake of the lawsuits and investigations, receive higher wages.—
Boyce Upholt,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
-
IDrive retains the previous 10 file versions forever, and Acronis True Image includes extensive versioning capabilities for no additional cost.—
Justin Pot,
PC Magazine,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Tristan Graziano, a Weddington High School student, enjoys golfing in his free time and hanging with his friends.—
Jamie,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Mar. 2026
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Eid morning begins with prayer and the presence of community, where everyone enjoys a meal together and reflects on the meaning of Ramadan in our lives.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Possesses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possesses. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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