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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in belongings
possessions plural
transportable items that one owns
we packed up all of our possessions and excitedly moved into a new house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in occupancy
the act or fact of residing in a place
squatters had established possession in the abandoned warehouse
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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
-
In the meantime, apply a smear of lotion to your hands to protect your skin and prepare a bowl of ice-cold water.—
Shagun Khare,
Martha Stewart,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The fabric covering her front continued behind her like two mini trains, which Olandria waved with her hands, creating an almost wing-like shape.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Investigators later recovered Lee's hair and belongings from King's home and vehicle, authorities said.—
DAVID FISCHER THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Investigators later recovered Lee's hair and belongings from King's home and vehicle, authorities said.—
CBS Miami Team,
CBS News,
17 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
-
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
-
And the enjoyment of the water.—
Nathan Rott,
NPR,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That changes things up for Diabate.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Share credit, set boundaries around your time and money, and keep things grounded with an open list of your goals.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In an agricultural region battered by urbanization, climate change, and unjust occupation, the director chronicles a man’s desperate fight to preserve centuries-old ways of living.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Unlike the teams’ two January games in Minneapolis, played under the specter of heavy occupation by federal immigration agents, the matchup in San Francisco was played under more normal circumstances.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
14 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
-
The National Construction Authority found that 58% of the buildings in Nairobi were unfit for habitation.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The streamer has had a deal in place for nearly three months, through every Ellison shareholder agitation or Kennedy Center habitation.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Possession.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possession. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
