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 The technology is now at the center of a push at the California State Capitol to prohibit law enforcement agencies in the state from possessing or using the devices. — Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 Among the additional counts against Andrew are allegations of making or distributing indecent images of children and possessing extreme pornography. — Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 York, 45, was arrested Sunday in the prostitution sting, initially facing misdemeanor charges of engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 After the arrest, authorities initially charged York with engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools. — Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 Prosecutors won a 77-year sentence on Wednesday for 27-year-old Kyle Spitze on charges of producing child pornography, possessing and accessing the material, and abetting the distribution of animal crush videos. — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 2026 Perkins pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, the release said. — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026 Despite wanting to find identity outside of being a con artist, the contradiction at Lucky’s core is that she has been taught to exploit human connection while still possessing a deeply human capacity for it. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026 Anderson was previously arrested in May and charged in Denver County Court with possessing a gun while under the influence of alcohol and disorderly conduct in a separate incident. — Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 18 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possessing
  1. owning
  2. having
  3. retaining
  4. enjoying
Verb
  • In a matter of years, Kapoor went from owning a multimillion-dollar home in Cocoplum and captaining a 68-foot yacht to living in federal custody.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Of course, the ultimate risk for owning these stocks is familiar to all investors, namely the vagaries of the market itself.
    — Norah Rami, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of owning
Verb
  • Sporting is planning to stay with its MLS model of having two DPs and four U22 roster spots that only charge a certain number against the salary cap.
    — PJ Green August 28, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The number of Americans who report having six or more close friends has plunged by 50% this century, and the number of people reporting no close friends has skyrocketed by 400% over that same time period.
    — Ken Stern, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of having
Verb
  • These were followed by black- and silver-dial models retaining the dual-color bezel.
    — Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2026
  • This trend is fueled by gold's practical appeal as an investment, retaining market value unlike diamonds, especially with record-high prices.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of retaining
Verb
  • While they’ve been spotted enjoying glitzy dinners and events in historic villas with friends in Saint-Tropez and Capri, really, the Clooneys have spent most of the summer at their home on Lake Como.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Meg Nazworth came to eat at Kafi BBQ after having Halal barbecue last year and enjoying various Middle Eastern and African cuisines.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 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 30 Aug. 2026.

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