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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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 Colombia held the edge in possession for the night, 54 percent to 45 percent and had six shots on goal to two for Portugal. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026 After the last hydration break of the match in the 71st minute, both teams held possession, appearing to be satisfied with a 2-2 draw. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2026 The drubbing moved the Sox to 42-38 on the season, and kept them in sole possession of first place in the AL Central. Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026 Marcus Rashford, who made his first ’26 World Cup start in place of Anthony Gordon on the left wing, lost countless possessions on the ball. Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for possession
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possession
Noun
  • In your view, are the biggest risks from AI systems themselves or from the humans deploying them, the possibility of AI in the hands of rogue actors is particularly concerning here.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • Ten members of the pool raised their hands with three admitting to having some knowledge of King.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Safely store your phone, wallet, keys, passport, and other belongings in the two zippered pockets.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026
  • The victim, according to police, was robbed of his belongings and forced to walk to the other side of the parking lot.
    Mike Darnay, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • The high caliber of its parks helped to drive more than 38 million visits to the destination and this upward trend continued in 2025 as Yas Island had a record-breaking summer with a 15% year-on-year increase in visits and an average occupancy rate of 85% in its hotels.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • The Valley Motel was seeking to either waive a park land fee worth $123,662 or to enter into a payment plan beginning two years after receiving a certificate of occupancy.
    Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Shoppers are reading labels, asking harder questions, and rewarding products that deliver both enjoyment and genuine function.
    Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • The visual accompaniment to the president’s promise of national enjoyment showed two multistory stone arcades running down the length of the Mall—very classical, very retvrn—thronged with crowds.
    Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • In fact, many of us often end up buying things that our colleagues found during their search.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
  • And don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Two wars in as many years with Israel — both launched on other’s behalf but with outsized consequences borne here — have resulted in thousands of dead, a million-plus displacement crisis and the leveling and occupation of wide swaths of the country.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
  • The ridge was included in an IDF occupation map released on Thursday, which expanded the force’s zone of operations north toward the Ali al-Taher hill area.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Peterson gave credit to catcher Carson Kelly’s game calling, which required the two getting up to speed quickly without the lefty having thrown a bullpen that would’ve given Kelly an idea in person of how his stuff moves.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
  • Colombia has new stuff to give to the world.
    NBC News, NBC news, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • Cornelius Houston will face charges of burglary of a habitation with intent to commit other felony and unlawful restraint, according to Fort Worth jail records.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026
  • The plan to buy large warehouses unfit for human habitation and spend millions more to convert them to prisons sparked nationwide backlash and pointed resistance in Social Circle and Oakwood.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 19 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Possession.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possession. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on possession

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster