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 He also was arrested on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and burglary tools. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026 Bates was sentenced to three consecutive life terms on charges of possessing the images, plus 40 years to be served concurrently on a charge of online solicitation of a minor, according to the statement. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026 In future windows, a younger, faster centre-back feels required to augment an ageing cohort, with Burn and Fabian Schar both 34 and only Malick Thiaw possessing much pace. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Petit-Phare faces a charge of possessing 15 or more unauthorized access devices. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026 Indeed, despite possessing evidence of the abuse, Brittany did not publicly expose Jax. — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 Murphy was indicted in Ohio on several felony charges in January 2025, including identity fraud, grand theft and possessing criminal tools, but fled the state before authorities could serve the indictment, according to WEWS. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 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
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
  • The confusion could muddy the narrative of having the best models in the market that OpenAI would no doubt like to present ahead of a possible 2027 IPO.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
  • There are other factors that effect children in these communities, but the evidence suggests that having an involved father can be an important protective factor that improves a child's chances of succeeding academically, economically and socially.
    — Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of having
Verb
  • More concerning memory problems may involve difficulty retaining new information in the first place, like repeatedly asking a question without remembering the answer.
    — Danielle Zickl, HEALTH, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Goldman found Koreans in their sixties save more than any other age group, retaining 37% of their income.
    — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of retaining
Verb
  • Enzo Maresca has brought more composure to their in-possession play, with City enjoying 69 per cent possession, an increase on the 53 per cent average from the final two league games of 2025-26.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • While neither of these experiences is essential to enjoying your stay, the additional charges do chip away at the all-inclusive promise.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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