POSSESSING Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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Recent Examples of possessing 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 If information is becoming abundant, leadership becomes less about possessing knowledge and more about helping people apply it wisely. — Brent McHugh, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 The teen, who cannot be identified because of his age, had previously pleaded guilty to possessing a kitchen knife on school grounds. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026 Cervero Trujillo was previously convicted with a group for possessing with intent to distribute over five kilos of cocaine. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026 Being 16 years old at the time of the shooting, Andrews was prohibited by law from possessing the handgun, the release said. — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026 Clavicular has repeatedly described Bomer as possessing one of the most harmonious men’s faces in existence, elevating him from merely handsome movie star to something closer to a blueprint by which to measure male beauty. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026 Wilburn has prior felony convictions, including carjacking and the use of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, legally prohibiting him from possessing firearms. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for possessing

Verb

Instead of owning nearly two-thirds of the combo, SpaceX investors would hold only 55%.

— Shawn Tully, Fortune, 25 July 2026
For example, investors can diversify between asset classes by owning a mix of stocks, bonds, cash, commodities and crypto, among others.

— Greg Iacurci,Annie Nova, CNBC, 25 July 2026

Definition of owning

Verb

Over the past several months, officials have been rebuilding much of the tariff regime that existed before the ruling, this time by relying on authorities that trade lawyers generally view as having a firmer legal foundation.

— Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Some conditions are risk factors for developing others – for instance, having Type 2 diabetes raises the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, and both are risk factors for dementia.

— Minakshi Raj, The Conversation, 24 July 2026

Definition of having

Verb

For some, this might have meant sitting in a compact defensive block to contain energy, while others rested on the ball, retaining possession and moving around the opposition.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 21 July 2026
The same study found 65% of manufacturers cite attracting and retaining talent as their primary business challenge.

— Rush LaSelle, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of retaining

Verb

But 60 Minutes long operated as almost a separate unit within the news division, enjoying a great deal of autonomy.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 July 2026
In a very youthful group inevitably depleted by several senior players enjoying their post-World Cup breaks, the two summer arrivals were surprising absentees.

— Liam Twomey, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of enjoying

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“Possessing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possessing. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of possessing

verb

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