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
Still grieving the death of his wife and the imprisonment of his son, Brandis binges on booze but possesses a sharp and intuitive mind, even if his family life is in disarray.
—
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
Nebius additionally possesses a solid balance sheet.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
White Out possesses the quest element that propels many a recovery memoir—except that in Clune’s case, the quest for sobriety is until the end consistently subordinated to the quest to score more drugs.
—Scott Stossel, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025
Brian Dunne’s terrific new album Clams Casino possesses that same kind of teleportation magic, albeit with less nostalgia and more melancholy.
—Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
Sometimes the Essex Hellhound possesses a man.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Despite the offseason loss of both coordinators, Detroit still possesses a deep roster.
—Jim Reineking, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Most often it’s considered an evil spirit that preys upon and possesses those who become lost in a literal or metaphorical sense.
—Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
Gastón Solnicki’s latest work features a magnetic central performance from Willem Dafoe, it is artfully composed with painterly images, shots of Vienna at sunset are exquisite, and its spartan dialogue possesses a dry wit.
—Leila Latif, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2025
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
Nebius additionally possesses a solid balance sheet.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
White Out possesses the quest element that propels many a recovery memoir—except that in Clune’s case, the quest for sobriety is until the end consistently subordinated to the quest to score more drugs.
—Scott Stossel, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025
Brian Dunne’s terrific new album Clams Casino possesses that same kind of teleportation magic, albeit with less nostalgia and more melancholy.
—Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
Sometimes the Essex Hellhound possesses a man.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Despite the offseason loss of both coordinators, Detroit still possesses a deep roster.
—Jim Reineking, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Most often it’s considered an evil spirit that preys upon and possesses those who become lost in a literal or metaphorical sense.
—Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
Gastón Solnicki’s latest work features a magnetic central performance from Willem Dafoe, it is artfully composed with painterly images, shots of Vienna at sunset are exquisite, and its spartan dialogue possesses a dry wit.
—Leila Latif, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possesses
Verb
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This landed Ellison, who owns more than 40% of shares, at the top of the Forbes Billionaires List, second only to his good friend, Elon Musk.—
Martine Paris,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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In any case, The Wren, which Mester co-owns with Rosemary Liss, is most glorious when taken as prescribed.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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While Cruz is still working to get Democratic sponsors for his bill, the issue has support from across the aisle.—
Emily Wilkins,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
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Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Governance protects employee attention, retains trust and reinforces strategic communication.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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But hoping to dodge this defense, WB didn't argue that Midjourney retains copies of its images.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But perhaps, no breakfast dish enjoys a closer relationship with the South than biscuits and gravy.—
Taylor Tobin,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
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Known for its iconic beaches and outdoor lifestyle, Sydney enjoys 2,468 hours of sunshine annually, 239 parks, and 368 spas and wellness centers.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Possesses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possesses. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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