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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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 Hachimura, who made all four of his three-point attempts in the first half, had a chance at a three on the Lakers’ first possession but instead passed to Ayton, who was fouled on the floor. Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026 The same year, Russian authorities convicted schoolteacher Marc Fogel of drug smuggling after he was arrested for marijuana possession. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 10 May 2026 Two minutes after that, Chawinga won possession back for Kansas City, and the Current, after passing the ball around, moved into the attacking third. Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 10 May 2026 Thus, removing and transporting a whale’s head without a permit could fall under prohibitions on unauthorized possession and transport. Sam Zeveloff, STAT, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for possession
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possession
Noun
  • The review followed a 2022 report that highlighted the excavation of a Lenape burial site whose ownership was later returned to Native American hands, the outlet reported.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 May 2026
  • Another adjustment on set was with his daughter played by Toscano tending to follow his hands as Insolera communicated using sign language, rather than look into his eyes.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • The Ventura County Sheriff's Office said deputies found the victim's belongings in the suspects' vehicles.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 12 May 2026
  • While the incident has since been determined to be a suicide, a note has not been found at the scene, officials said, and none of Mott’s belongings, including a vehicle, have been located by law enforcement yet.
    Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • On the North Shore, an oasis of high-end retailers suffered a downward occupancy spiral at Northbrook Court.
    Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • Most jail facilities have a service life of 25-30 years due to the high utilization and constant occupancy 24/7.
    Sierra van der Brug, Daily News, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • The situation is tricky enough in the case of innovations that users voluntarily adopt—plenty of people do not let their dim view of Meta overly interfere with their enjoyment of Instagram.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
  • The Moon in Capricorn moves through your 5th House, opposing Jupiter in your 11th, highlighting personal enjoyment versus group obligations.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • Rival ranch owner Beulah Jackson (Annette Bening) and her family won’t make things easy, but Rip and Beth remain one of the toughest couples on television.
    Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 13 May 2026
  • The Frost pressed hard in the final frame to tie things up, but the goal would ultimately be Poulin’s second game-winner of the best-of-five series.
    Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Portrait of a Young Girl, by Dutch artist Toon Kelder, was allegedly displayed for decades by the family of Hendrik Seyffardt, a general who aided the Nazis during their occupation of the Netherlands before being killed by the Dutch resistance.
    Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 11 May 2026
  • If there were a fight over Taiwan, the island or the US could use drones to target Chinese ships or aircraft carrying possibly hundreds of thousands of PLA troops across the Taiwan Strait for an assault and occupation.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • The Crusaders’ block added five solo stuffs in the third game, slowing down Herzer and Fleming while also giving the home team some momentum.
    Justin Vigil Zuniga, Daily News, 10 May 2026
  • But yeah, trying to maybe work on stuff during the week, throwing a lot and a lot of high-intent throws.
    Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • Altogether, the addition would boost its capacity for international research and long-term habitation.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 May 2026
  • Fire changed human habitation in ways our ancestors could hardly have imagined.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Possession.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possession. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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