possession

Definition of possessionnext
1
as in hands
the fact or state of having (something) at one's disposal a student who was found to have several overdue library books in his possession

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in occupancy
the act or fact of residing in a place squatters had established possession in the abandoned warehouse

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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 possession Balat and Kayumi, both US citizens, have been charged with providing material support to a terrorist organization; use of a weapon of mass destruction; transportation of explosive materials; unlawful possession of destructive devices; and interstate transportation and receipt of explosives. Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026 Banchero momentarily saved the night with a block, but possession remained with Los Angeles. Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026 Earlier in the fourth quarter, while trailing 89-82 after Magic guard Desmond Bane cut to the hoop for a driving layup, Lakers backup center Jaxson Hayes converted an alley-oop dunk off a feed from James before converting a layup on the Lakers’ following possession. Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026 Illinois State has a 2-0 record in one-possession games. ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for possession
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possession
Noun
  • Other ethnic groups in the delta, having been subject to violence at the hands of the government soldiers and having witnessed the murder of the Ogoni Nine, concluded that peaceful protests did not produce results, and forceful action was the only way to make the government listen.
    Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Rumors started flying after the two were spotted holding hands at the premiere of the show in New York City.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Williams had particularly meticulous records of her belongings and their cost.
    Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Olivia Vergiels, a Haleiwa resident, returned to her home to find her floor and belongings covered in thick mud.
    Isabel Yip, NBC news, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The move gives authorities the ability to double fines and citations, impound vehicles for up to 72 hours and issue occupancy limits on the beach.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Its troubles come as tourism and hotel occupancy have flattened in Miami Beach.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Sized to fit Designers tend to frame the party closet as a feature for your own enjoyment.
    Kelley Bruss, Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • My in-destination partners are equipped to handle any unexpected challenges swiftly, maintaining the quality and enjoyment of your travel.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Despite new tax revenue from a 20 percent tax increase, the city still faced a shortfall and was on the hook for things not budgeted.
    Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The Kings were trailing by 26 early in the second half when things got really ugly.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • German Jews—my people—were far less numerous, most of them came to the United States earlier, and their typical first occupation was peddling, which entailed wandering through non-Jewish areas, not living in tenements.
    Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026
  • The irony of two men in dangerous occupations discussing clothing is a delightful Sandford touch.
    Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 22 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • No reason not to just say stuff like this to him.
    Souvankham Thammavongsa, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Dion Brown made nine of his 10 shots, while Robbie Avila ranged from rim stuffs to a 28-foot triple.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Phase three introduces permanent infrastructure, enabled by higher cargo capacity from commercial landing systems, with the goal of long-duration habitation modules and systems to support a sustained human presence on the moon.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Located in low-Earth orbit — or LEO, a region that stretches up to 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers) above ground — the aging International Space Station has hosted nearly 300 people over more than 25 years of continuous habitation, but its retirement is looming.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Possession.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possession. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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