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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

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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 Such authority derives from followers’ belief that a leader possesses exceptional qualities or abilities. — Morgan Shipley, The Conversation, 21 Sep. 2026 Cutting overseas dependency China possesses extensive rubidium and cesium reserves locked inside specialty lithium ores and salt-lake brines. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2026 Valero Energy Pure-play refiner Valero Energy possesses advanced, complex refineries capable of dynamically adjusting output to maximize diesel when desired. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026 The executive vice president of global brand partnerships at Nordstrom noted that a groundbreaker possesses original thought, innovation, creativity and — most of all — humanity. — Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026 Glen possesses a rare ability to fuse a world-class creative sensibility with sharp strategic thinking, all driven by a genuine love of cinema. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2026 Woody possesses the rare combination of vulnerability, intelligence and strength that Younger demands, while Malachi, Conrad, Kola and Tuppence bring extraordinary weight and complexity to the forces shaping his life. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026 This does not mean a small manufacturer suddenly possesses the resources of a multinational company. — Onahira Rivas, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026 Dart also possesses the intangibles that are vital for any elite quarterback. — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possesses
  1. owns
  2. has
  3. retains
  4. enjoys
Verb
  • Pokémon card prices have surged 1,350% since 2020, according to an index compiled by Collectors, which owns card grading agency Professional Sports Authenticator, CNBC previously reported.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Miguel Angel Flores owns a food truck near the city and said he, too, has been affected by the fear surrounding immigration enforcement.
    — Ivan Taylor, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of owns
Verb
  • The brain’s surface has ridges and valleys, and CTE tangles are found in the depths of those valleys, called the cortical sulci, and surround blood vessels.
    — Alexandra Pattillo, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Packers lose lineman Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Zach Bako-Bewele has a torn patellar tendon and expects to miss the rest of the season.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of has
Verb
  • For all its trials and tribulations, Chicagoland retains enviable advantages vis-a-vis other metro areas, but its growth over more than a decade seriously lags many of those peer regions.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • China Arms reported that the Type 99B retains the Type 99 family’s 125 mm smoothbore gun, autoloader and three-person crew configuration.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of retains
Verb
  • Mahon enjoys tamales himself and said his restaurants have discussed offering them, but the economics can be difficult.
    — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Away from golf, Scorpio enjoys weekend visits to Fredericksburg’s nearby wineries, another plus of living near the Texas Hill Country.
    — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 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 24 Sep. 2026.

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