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
Jafar Panahi’s Palme d’Or-winning thriller possesses a withering critique of the cruelty and corruption of an authoritarian regime, combined with a blistering sense of humor.
—
Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
While the robot possesses a 360-degree sensor suite (LiDAR and HD cameras) for autonomous navigation, on-site reports noted that the CES floor performances were partially human-controlled using a dedicated remote to ensure safety in the crowded booth.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
Corleone possesses rare athleticism for someone his size (6-1, 335).
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
That’s because the New Orleans saint behind that book, Nancy Lemann, possesses a singularly fabulous voice.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
Seen through this lens, every person possesses inherent dignity and value.
—James O. Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026
Young is still just 27 and in his prime, and still possesses the ability to be an elite scorer.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Warner possesses valuable European sports rights that would require government approvals to sell.
—Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 10 Nov. 2025
The governor of New York possesses the authority, under the state constitution and the New York City Charter, to remove mayors and other local officials from office.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
While the robot possesses a 360-degree sensor suite (LiDAR and HD cameras) for autonomous navigation, on-site reports noted that the CES floor performances were partially human-controlled using a dedicated remote to ensure safety in the crowded booth.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
Corleone possesses rare athleticism for someone his size (6-1, 335).
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
That’s because the New Orleans saint behind that book, Nancy Lemann, possesses a singularly fabulous voice.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
Seen through this lens, every person possesses inherent dignity and value.
—James O. Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026
Young is still just 27 and in his prime, and still possesses the ability to be an elite scorer.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Warner possesses valuable European sports rights that would require government approvals to sell.
—Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 10 Nov. 2025
The governor of New York possesses the authority, under the state constitution and the New York City Charter, to remove mayors and other local officials from office.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possesses
Verb
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For proof, consider that Mars now owns the record for the largest single-day ticket sales in Live Nation North American tour history (according to Live Nation).—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
15 Jan. 2026
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And while Vegas owns a top-five power play, Marner, typically the top unit’s quarterback, has factored into the scoring at the lowest rate of his career — nabbing a point on only 39 percent of the goals.—
Jonas Siegel,
New York Times,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This previously-$30 set of Merino wool socks already has an excellent value, but the new price point is even sweeter.—
Anna Popp,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Jan. 2026
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The bakery has two trailers on the property that are used for housing and as a test kitchen for the bakers.—
Austen Erblat,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Denmark retains authority over the island’s defense, foreign policy, and economic matters.—
Heather Hunter,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Jan. 2026
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The sponsor retains responsibility for the content and holds the copyright to their material.—
Phan Khang,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Ball enjoys every second of their interactions, too.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
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Rose also enjoys playing with dolls, carefully giving each one its own name and unique personality.—
The Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Possesses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possesses. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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