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
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
Former reality television star Josh Duggar, who is serving a 12-year federal prison sentence for possessing child pornography, was transferred to the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth on May 29.
—Maven Navarro
june 4, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 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
Lopez further admitted to illegally possessing firearms and ammunition at his home in December 2023.
—CBS News, 4 June 2026
In 2012, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) accused Armstrong of using, possessing and trafficking PEDs and covering up doping violations.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
In January, Roberts pleaded guilty to making a false statement for employment and one count of unlawfully possessing a firearm while being in the country illegally.
—Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 29 May 2026
In outlining their case, authorities have not said how Talley ended up possessing the gun.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026
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
Former reality television star Josh Duggar, who is serving a 12-year federal prison sentence for possessing child pornography, was transferred to the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth on May 29.
—Maven Navarro
june 4, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 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
Lopez further admitted to illegally possessing firearms and ammunition at his home in December 2023.
—CBS News, 4 June 2026
In 2012, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) accused Armstrong of using, possessing and trafficking PEDs and covering up doping violations.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
In January, Roberts pleaded guilty to making a false statement for employment and one count of unlawfully possessing a firearm while being in the country illegally.
—Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 29 May 2026
In outlining their case, authorities have not said how Talley ended up possessing the gun.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possessing
Verb
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San Antonio started this game red-hot, owning an 11-point lead after the first quarter, 33-22.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2026
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For too many, the dream of owning or renting a first home in New York is unattainable.—
Micah Lasher,
New York Daily News,
9 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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Clean streets, safe neighborhoods, reliable infrastructure, and vibrant commercial corridors are essential to attracting and retaining talent and businesses.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
-
Thomson, who was born in Ontario, Canada, played for the University of Kansas Jayhawks in the 1980s, leading the team in hits in the 1984 and 1985 seasons and retaining the school’s record for the highest single-season batting average.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Verb
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As a result, the crowd is a mix of everyone from brunching neighborhood residents and locals on staycations to international tourists and older couples enjoying the city for the weekend.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 June 2026
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Sowah enjoying life in the Bay Mielah Sowah is a long way from her hometown of Brisbane, Australia.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Possessing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possessing. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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