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
According to Yolo County Superior Court logs, Hader was awaiting rulings on multiple felony cases in Yolo County at the time of the alleged stabbing, including violating a probation agreement by possessing firearms, and had been due to appear in court on July 23.
—
Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026
Always use caution when possessing, using or discharging fireworks.
—Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 12 June 2026
He was also charged with possessing a knife and threatening to kill a radiographer while being treated for a hand injury after the assault.
—ABC News, 10 June 2026
Gamelle Patterson, 46, 1500 block of Diplomat Lane, Ford Heights, is scheduled to appear in Cook County court at Markham June 17, charged with being a felon possessing a weapon, cocaine possession and ecstasy possession, according to sheriff’s police and jail information online.
—Dennis Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026
Stagg pleaded guilty to threatening behavior and possessing an offensive weapon and was given 12 months probation in May 1995.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
Garcia denies ever downloading, possessing, watching, or distributing child pornography.
—Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 6 June 2026
In addition to taking responsibility for the robberies, federal prosecutors said Lopez admitted to illegally possessing three firearms and a little more than 30 rounds of ammunition that were found at his home in December 2023.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026
When a court issues a domestic violence protective order, federal law prohibits the restrained person from possessing a gun.
—Sativa Banks, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026
Always use caution when possessing, using or discharging fireworks.
—Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 12 June 2026
He was also charged with possessing a knife and threatening to kill a radiographer while being treated for a hand injury after the assault.
—ABC News, 10 June 2026
Gamelle Patterson, 46, 1500 block of Diplomat Lane, Ford Heights, is scheduled to appear in Cook County court at Markham June 17, charged with being a felon possessing a weapon, cocaine possession and ecstasy possession, according to sheriff’s police and jail information online.
—Dennis Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026
Stagg pleaded guilty to threatening behavior and possessing an offensive weapon and was given 12 months probation in May 1995.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
Garcia denies ever downloading, possessing, watching, or distributing child pornography.
—Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 6 June 2026
In addition to taking responsibility for the robberies, federal prosecutors said Lopez admitted to illegally possessing three firearms and a little more than 30 rounds of ammunition that were found at his home in December 2023.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026
When a court issues a domestic violence protective order, federal law prohibits the restrained person from possessing a gun.
—Sativa Banks, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possessing
Verb
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To be eligible for homes, applicants must meet certain criteria, including not owning a home and having a minimum household income of $42,000.—
Kamal Morgan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 June 2026
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In the 20th and early 21st centuries, that meant owning a broadcast network (like Fox) or cable channels (Fox News Channel, Fox Sports 1, and pre-Disney sell-off FX).—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Before Mexico-South Africa kicks off here in a few minutes, FIFA is marching in all 48 flags for the countries participating in the tournament and having the flag-bearers stand in a circle at midfield.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
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The genre by definition requires re-enactments, and does the act of gathering a bunch actors and going to Tehran (or Morocco) give more credibility to the project than having a computer do it?—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
11 June 2026
Verb
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The leader sets direction, delegates while retaining accountability, builds teams and achieves results through people.—
Dr. Adil Dalal,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
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According to Higgins, many over-the-counter products can cause or worsen high blood pressure by constricting your blood vessels or retaining water in your body.—
Kathleen Ferraro,
Verywell Health,
11 June 2026
Verb
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For the most part, the Croatia and England fans were a happy, cheerful bunch, sporting their teams colors, chanting happy tunes and enjoying the unique experience.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 June 2026
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That means players, staff and coaches are off to parts unknown enjoying their summer break.—
Armando Salguero OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Possessing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possessing. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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