possession

noun

pə-ˈze-shən How to pronounce possession (audio)
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
as in belongings
possessions plural transportable items that one owns we packed up all of our possessions and excitedly moved into a new house

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 Valdez was booked on suspicion of brandishing a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of an assault weapon and possession of a suppressor. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026 He was subsequently charged with one count each of second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. — Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 On May 21, a New Haven Superior Court jury found Kindred guilty of two counts of murder and one count of criminal possession of a firearm, the DCJ said. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026 On top of that, prosecutors charged him with two counts of felony firearm possession, with each count carrying a mandatory two-year sentence that must be served consecutively to the underlying felony if he is convicted. — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for possession
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possession
  1. hands
  2. belongings
  3. occupancy
  4. enjoyment
  5. things
  6. occupation
  7. stuff
  8. habitation
Noun
  • On Thursday, Clancy loudly sobbed, shuddered and covered her face with her hands as a medical examiner testified about Callan’s autopsy.
    — Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Those workers understand what a white-collar reader mostly does not, which is that the moment your knowledge leaves your hands is the moment your leverage leaves with it.
    — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of hands
Noun
  • The group later went to a hotel, where Gutierrez Molina and his coworker were allegedly drugged before their belongings were stolen and their financial accounts were accessed, the outlet reported.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Several volunteers spent Tuesday morning helping residents pack their belongings and relocate.
    — Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of belongings
Noun
  • Lower hotel occupancy means fewer opportunities for him and his fellow bellmen, cocktail servers and valets to make tips, their primary income, pinching their wallets even further.
    — Juhi Doshi, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • This includes occupancy rate, rapid conversion, case management, and being active in the community.
    — Gabriela Vidal, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of occupancy
Noun
  • Indeed, some might suggest that asset protection planning is the science or art of separating clients from their assets while still allowing those clients the beneficial use and enjoyment of those assets.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The lawsuit requests damages of $10 million for past and future physical injuries, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
    — Madison Lambert, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of enjoyment
Noun
  • The service Casually buttoned-up and (like many other things at this property) classic New York, with concierge and servers always ready to lend a hand—but without fussing over anything.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Is this the same Panthea who hates anyone fake or putting things on?
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of things
Noun
  • The lesson is that isolated task automation rarely results in large-scale job losses, except in occupations built around a very narrow set of activities.
    — Adam Schickling, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Governments, business leaders, and economists have tried to estimate which occupations will disappear, which new ones will emerge, and what skills people will need to remain competitive.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of occupation
Noun
  • Ryan, who made four major-league starts in 2024, has the stuff to compete in the majors, but health has kept him from another call-up.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
  • One industry consultant believes news shows ought to embrace such stuff — and with more speed.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of stuff
Noun
  • Learn About Local Cultures Route 89 passes through several areas that have a rich history of human habitation dating back millennia.
    — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Vehicles cannot be rented or leased for human habitation on public streets.
    — Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of habitation

Browse Nearby Words

possessing
possession
possessionless
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Cite this Entry

“Possession.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possession. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on possession

Nglish: Translation of possession for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about possession

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