possesses

Definition of possessesnext
present tense third-person singular of possess

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 The Jets are so far outside of a playoff spot that Toews, who possesses a full no-movement clause, could soon be asked to pick between dreams. Murat Ates, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026 The fundamental question in a democracy isn’t whether the government possesses investigative authority. Stephanie A, The Conversation, 23 Feb. 2026 Victims require an advocate who possesses equal expertise to the teams that corporations and insurers use to safeguard their interests. Wyles Daniel, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026 Norwegian possesses industry-leading assets, leading the industry in investment-per-berth and featuring a premium cabin mix and compelling onboard amenities. Adam Goldstein, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026 However, international monitors believe North Korea only possesses around 50 nuclear warheads, with the fissile material to make 30 to 40 more. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026 No institution in California politics possesses more deployable capital or strategic coherence than public employee unions. Jon Fleischman, Oc Register, 16 Feb. 2026 All-court player possesses fleet footwork. Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026 Lester Speight, the actor who plays Terry Tate, possesses the delivery and timing of a true comic master. Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possesses
Verb
  • Wolf, who owns Zev Martial Arts, moved to Granbury 10 years ago to raise his family.
    Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Feb. 2026
  • One step was to acquire the adjacent parking lot that serves the Metra station, which the village now owns.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Coventry said at a news conference last week that the IOC has a safeguarding unit that monitors the organization’s social media platforms for hateful messages.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
  • In his statement, Nielsen indirectly referred to the incident, saying that Greenland has a public health care system in which treatment is free for its citizens.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The News retains full editorial control of this coverage.
    Lana Ferguson, Dallas Morning News, 28 Feb. 2026
  • The soil retains summer warmth while cooler air temperatures reduce stress on young plants, giving them more time to establish a strong root system before the summer heat arrives.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Mrigakshi is a science journalist who enjoys writing about space exploration, biology, and technological innovations.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Sara also enjoys photographing sports.
    Sara Diggins, Austin American Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Possesses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possesses. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on possesses

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster