possesses

verb

present tense third-person singular of possess
as in owns
to keep, control, or experience as one's own she possesses a keen insight into people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Inland taipan Often described as the world’s most venomous snake based on laboratory toxicity tests, the inland taipan possesses venom capable of attacking the nervous system, muscles, and blood. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026 Similar to other colubrids, this species possesses a Duvernoy’s gland—a venom gland located behind the eyes and connected by a tube to grooved, backward-curving teeth at the back of the upper jaw. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026 The 6-foot-3, 175-pound Howard possesses the length, athleticism and body control to give the Warriors a different dimension at quarterback. — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026 At certain moments, her life possesses the brilliant vividness of fiction or myth. — Ian Penman, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 The heart possesses its own sophisticated nervous system, often referred to as the brain in the heart. — Dr. Shiny Burcu Unsal, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 While trying to save one of Afton’s victims, a young girl named Charlotte dies and her vengeful spirit possesses Marionette, a creepy puppet animatronic. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026 The region already possesses satellites, weather observations, sophisticated climate models, and regional monitoring mechanisms. — Karryl Kim Sagun Trajano, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026 The department currently possesses 49 drones, but an unspecified number are set to be retired and replaced by the new acquisitions. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possesses
  1. owns
  2. has
  3. retains
  4. enjoys
Verb
  • The nonprofit owns two houses to provide affordable housing for physically disabled adults in the Santa Clara Valley.
    — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Ask what is owed, confirm who owns which task, and put the agreement somewhere people can reference.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of owns
Verb
  • That was a new record and only once before has the number of moves hit double figures.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Thailand has the highest rate of civilian gun ownership in Southeast Asia, with around 15 guns per 100 people.
    — Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of has
Verb
  • The 12-article draft legislation outlines the procedures for the disarmament of the group — which still retains the bulk of its weapons — and the rehabilitation of thousands of PKK members.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Employers should cease auditing health, design for fluctuation, ensure default accessibility, and cover costs, recognizing that universal access benefits everyone and retains talent.
    — Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of retains
Verb
  • Jewel enjoys a casual summer day while shopping at the What Goes Around Comes Around pop-up in Aspen.
    — People Staff, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Wilbur Colom, who once lost a state treasurer’s race as a Republican, enjoys gaming out turnout scenarios for his son.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of enjoys

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Cite this Entry

“Possesses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possesses. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on possesses

Nglish: Translation of possesses for Spanish Speakers

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