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
The character of Mandakini required specific qualities that Rajamouli believes Chopra Jonas uniquely possesses.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026
More recent research has shown that star anise possesses antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
There is no requirement for a common interest community association such as a townhome association, or even a condominium association, to be audited by the state of Illinois if the association possesses assets over $100,000.
—Howard Dakoff, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
Hunter, 28, is a 6-foot-7, 221-pound forward who possesses exceptional length with a 7-2 wingspan.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 1 Feb. 2026
Though particular and precise in an operating room, Toni possesses a magnetic zest for life and exudes warmth with patients and her students.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
Humana possesses structural advantages in CenterWell (their care delivery division) and is focusing on operational efficiencies (aiming for over $100M in savings via AI and outsourcing).
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Identifying dangerous offenders requires investigative work, intelligence, and coordination — capabilities ICE already possesses.
—Eric Balliet, Denver Post, 28 Jan. 2026
Iran possesses a large arsenal of medium- and long-range ballistic missiles, several types of which were fired at Israel during the conflict.
—Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026
More recent research has shown that star anise possesses antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
There is no requirement for a common interest community association such as a townhome association, or even a condominium association, to be audited by the state of Illinois if the association possesses assets over $100,000.
—Howard Dakoff, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
Hunter, 28, is a 6-foot-7, 221-pound forward who possesses exceptional length with a 7-2 wingspan.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 1 Feb. 2026
Though particular and precise in an operating room, Toni possesses a magnetic zest for life and exudes warmth with patients and her students.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
Humana possesses structural advantages in CenterWell (their care delivery division) and is focusing on operational efficiencies (aiming for over $100M in savings via AI and outsourcing).
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Identifying dangerous offenders requires investigative work, intelligence, and coordination — capabilities ICE already possesses.
—Eric Balliet, Denver Post, 28 Jan. 2026
Iran possesses a large arsenal of medium- and long-range ballistic missiles, several types of which were fired at Israel during the conflict.
—Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possesses
Verb
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According to several local Las Vegas news outlets, Clark County homeowner records show that an LLC under Zhu’s name owns the property in question in Las Vegas, tying the two instances together.—
Molly Parks,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Feb. 2026
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Musk owns an estimated stake of 43% in SpaceX, compared to his 13% ownership of Tesla.—
Lora Kolodny,
CNBC,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This rare metal has isotopes — atoms of the same element with a different number of neutrons and varying stability — known to have nuclei with complex structures and shapes.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Feb. 2026
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And while Addison Rae has been on our beauty radar for some time, her Best New Artist nomination has her alongside other gorgeous breakthrough talents like Olivia Dean and Katseye.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
2 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Under his meticulous care, the gleaming red sports car has been souped up to generate 400-horsepower turbo performance, but retains much of the original features and feel.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
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This Breitling Lady Premier Automatic in 36 mm contains Breitling’s in-house automatic caliber 10 with a 42-hour power reserve, but retains a feminine sensibility, with a colorful dial and dusting of diamonds on the lugs and bezel.—
Carol Besler,
Robb Report,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The royal family enjoys hunting, fishing, and horseback riding on the property.—
Emma Banks,
InStyle,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Sara also enjoys photographing sports.—
Sara Diggins,
Austin American Statesman,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Possesses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possesses. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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