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
Wheatley has always had a decent handle on atmosphere, and Normal definitely possesses more of a sense of location than other pictures of its ilk.
—
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
Despite the higher passenger count, the ship is big, and possesses one of the highest space ratios per passenger at-sea–meaning there's lots of room to spread out.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026
Through her knowledge of history and her drive to build bridges between cultures and traditions, Mashama possesses the unique gift of connecting people through a bond of mutual understanding.
—Kamala Harris, Time, 15 Apr. 2026
The Penner Sports Group, fronted by Broncos owners Carrie Walton Penner and husband Greg Penner, now possesses a 40% stake in the Rockies.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2026
Head coach Jeff Hafley has expressed a preference for athletic quarterbacks, and this draft only possesses a few.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
The former shortstop also possesses some experience at second base, having made a late-game appearance there in September 2023 and 10 starts at the position early in his minor-league career.
—Dennis Lin, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2026
One of the most rousing action-comedies ever made, and one that possesses an undeniable heft in its practical effects, The General builds beautifully off of its premise to create a handful of cinema’s most dizzying, entertaining chase sequences.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
When humming on both ends of the court, Michigan possesses a gear everyone else can only wish for.
—Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
Despite the higher passenger count, the ship is big, and possesses one of the highest space ratios per passenger at-sea–meaning there's lots of room to spread out.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026
Through her knowledge of history and her drive to build bridges between cultures and traditions, Mashama possesses the unique gift of connecting people through a bond of mutual understanding.
—Kamala Harris, Time, 15 Apr. 2026
The Penner Sports Group, fronted by Broncos owners Carrie Walton Penner and husband Greg Penner, now possesses a 40% stake in the Rockies.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2026
Head coach Jeff Hafley has expressed a preference for athletic quarterbacks, and this draft only possesses a few.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
The former shortstop also possesses some experience at second base, having made a late-game appearance there in September 2023 and 10 starts at the position early in his minor-league career.
—Dennis Lin, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2026
One of the most rousing action-comedies ever made, and one that possesses an undeniable heft in its practical effects, The General builds beautifully off of its premise to create a handful of cinema’s most dizzying, entertaining chase sequences.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
When humming on both ends of the court, Michigan possesses a gear everyone else can only wish for.
—Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possesses
Verb
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Frink owns Two Maids, a residential cleaning franchise that services the Phoenix area.—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
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Allbirds, known for its minimalist wool sneakers, will sell its footwear assets to American Exchange Group, which owns more than 30 brands across fashion, jewelry, footwear and personal care.—
Mary Cunningham,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Margaux has a toggle closure, while Quince’s bag seals with a zipper, which provides extra security.—
Shea Simmons,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
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San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama has a shot at doing the same.—
Tim Reynolds,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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More affluent households are probably stuck paying for tax prep, at least as long as the tax code retains anything like its current complexity.—
Binyamin Appelbaum,
Mercury News,
10 Apr. 2026
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Despite nationwide polls showing eroding support, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán retains strong backing in rural communities and among older Hungarians, who credit him with representing their interests and maintaining national pride.—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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So while much of the SEC sorts through uncertainty and roster churn, Georgia enjoys its spring with a rare sense of clarity, anchored by a core that's already taken the field together at Sanford Stadium.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
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Stagg coach Pat Kelly enjoys watching Farhan put forth performances like that.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Possesses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possesses. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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