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
The mood is loaded like a memory, possessing a tenderness that goes beyond the usual pre-disaster movie tension.
—
Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
These are linked to a central hub that matches the person possessing the pass with personal details, including a picture of the person named on the pass.
—Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Investigators also made multiple drug arrests during traffic stops throughout the operation, including suspects accused of possessing methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana and oxycodone.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
He also was charged with one count of possessing between 15 to 100 grams of heroin, police said.
—Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Shadé’s Law, passed in 2019, now prohibits people convicted of certain violent crimes from buying or possessing such weapons.
—Allen G. Breed, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
But federal prosecutors say nothing would have stopped the county from charging Toussaint with illegally possessing ammunition.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
Overland High School was immediately put on lockdown, and the student was arrested on investigation of possessing a handgun as a juvenile and possession of a weapon on school grounds, police said.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 13 May 2026
If released, both people are ordered to wear a GPS tether and are prohibited from possessing any animals or firearms.
—Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 9 May 2026
Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
These are linked to a central hub that matches the person possessing the pass with personal details, including a picture of the person named on the pass.
—Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Investigators also made multiple drug arrests during traffic stops throughout the operation, including suspects accused of possessing methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana and oxycodone.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
He also was charged with one count of possessing between 15 to 100 grams of heroin, police said.
—Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Shadé’s Law, passed in 2019, now prohibits people convicted of certain violent crimes from buying or possessing such weapons.
—Allen G. Breed, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
But federal prosecutors say nothing would have stopped the county from charging Toussaint with illegally possessing ammunition.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
Overland High School was immediately put on lockdown, and the student was arrested on investigation of possessing a handgun as a juvenile and possession of a weapon on school grounds, police said.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 13 May 2026
If released, both people are ordered to wear a GPS tether and are prohibited from possessing any animals or firearms.
—Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 9 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possessing
Verb
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Valdez Streaty says buyers in some parts of the country remain more skeptical about the practicality of owning an EV than others.—
Mike Winters,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
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Now grown-up with disposable income, the original Swatch collector now arrives with spending power, resale fluency and a clear sense that owning the object is only half the reward.—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
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More about Richard Glossip's case Glossip is accused of having his boss, Barry Van Treese, an Oklahoma City motel owner, killed in 1997 to keep from being fired for embezzlement.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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The Giants’ defense will feel the sting of not having Dexter Lawrence in the middle anymore during this one.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Decisions must be made about retaining potential UFA blueliners Trouba, Gudas and John Carlson.—
Eric Stephens,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
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This strategy allows investors to collect premium income while retaining a window for capital appreciation, a necessary feature when a stock exhibits the fundamental and technical strength currently seen in XOM.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Getty Images The Philadelphia Phillies are enjoying a dramatic turnaround after a change at the helm, but it is being powered by a group of familiar faces.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
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Aside from a fishing dock, there are no permanent amenities, and a typical day may include reading, walking along the ocean's edge, enjoying the water, or relaxing.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Possessing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possessing. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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