possessing

verb

present participle of possess
as in owning
to keep, control, or experience as one's own she possesses a keen insight into people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 possessing Some face up to 40 years for distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. — Renee Anderson, CBS News, 31 July 2026 Besides the conspiracy charge, Oseguera Cervantes also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy. — ABC News, 31 July 2026 The father of a school shooter in Washington state was convicted of possessing a firearm not registered to him, but was not charged for the shooting itself. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 30 July 2026 Vermont has strict laws against possession of heroin and cocaine, but users in Burlington are rarely arrested or prosecuted for possessing small amounts. — Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 Pacheco pleaded guilty to possessing meth with the intent to distribute, and unlawful reentry after removal. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026 Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was also cited for possessing an open container in his vehicle after his arrest for operating while intoxicated in Wisconsin last week. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026 Possessing 2 ounces or fewer of marijuana flower is a misdemeanor under Texas law, while possessing more than 4 ounces can lead to a state jail felony. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026 Apple is seeking damages and a court order that would block OpenAI from possessing or using its trade secrets. — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 23 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possessing
  1. owning
  2. having
  3. retaining
  4. enjoying
Verb
  • Too many brands exhaust their marketing budgets fighting for attention during the primary event when real power lies in owning the transitional micro-moment immediately following exertion.
    — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • For Moore, opening her own shop was never simply about owning a business.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of owning
Verb
  • That year, Pennsylvania was highlighted by State Farm as having the nation’s highest number of auto insurance claims (more than 150,000 claims) for vehicle collisions with wildlife from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
    — Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Try to wake up each day with the intention of having new experiences; that’s your only goal post for success and happiness this month.
    — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of having
Verb
  • Colorado requires employers to explain the limits on retaining identification documents and to affirmatively communicate those protections to employees.
    — Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Water and Sewer Department leaders urged council members to pass immediate salary adjustments for employees, detailing mounting hurdles in recruiting and retaining qualified personnel amid intense competition from neighboring municipalities.
    — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 July 2026
Definition of retaining
Verb
  • Couples from Copenhagen enjoying a sunny weekend away, as well as the odd tourist.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Just over four years ago in May 2022, 10-year-old Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast Sasha Paskal and her mother, Maria, were enjoying some time together in the scenic seaside village of Zatoka in the Odesa region of southwestern Ukraine.
    — Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Definition of enjoying

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Cite this Entry

“Possessing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possessing. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on possessing

Nglish: Translation of possessing for Spanish Speakers

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