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 Authorities allege Brown, who had been deployed to the protest site, later took unlawful possession of the bag. Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 6 June 2026 In fact, Towns didn’t touch the ball for six consecutive possessions late in the fourth quarter as the Spurs sparked a comeback attempt. Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 6 June 2026 The most important play centers on the final possession, obviously. Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026 Brunson scored on the next possession, just his seventh basket in 24 shots on the night, and the game was tied. CBS News, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for possession
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possession
Noun
  • The telegram’s design is joyful and vivid, featuring illustrations of tiny hands tossing multi-colored hats and flowers into the air in a gesture of congratulation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
  • The violin in Baerwald’s hands was the one his German-Jewish grandfather played as a Japanese prisoner of war in the Bandō camp at Tokushima during World War I.
    Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Neary’s belongings including fur coats, furniture and jewelry were auctioned later that month, with officials charged admission of 50 cents to prevent overcrowding of the apartment.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026
  • The off-duty flight attendant relocated his belongings and went to use the restroom, but Reyes tried to grab the man’s bag off the floor, according to the affidavit.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • These kinds of systems should automatically respond to occupancy and environmental conditions, maintaining alignment between performance and user needs.
    Emanuel Gana, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
  • The 13-day itinerary starts at $2,544 per person based on double occupancy, including fees and taxes, while the 15-day cruise starts at $2,974.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • To preserve the enjoyment factor, experts encourage admin daters to celebrate themselves and each other.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 June 2026
  • In order to be able to tap into that requires a level of joy and a spirit of enjoyment.
    Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Jonathan liked to drop in on patients, ask how things were going.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
  • Kenny is going through her things and counts 26 black T-shirts.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • For this poet, the first place of childhood and language is his village in the South, a place that has continued to exist in defiance of some of the most brutal forces of occupation, aggression, and now unabashed annihilation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
  • Cognizant found those in the construction business received a 12% exposure score, or the degree to which an occupation could be affected by AI—up from 4% three years ago.
    Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • That's the stuff that fuels me, that's what keeps me up at night and excited for the next day.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 7 June 2026
  • The contractor hasn't signed off on final stuff.
    Nick Lentz, CBS News, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • The Artemis program, proposing lunar habitation and infrastructure, stands to redefine the role of our species within the universe.
    Time, Time, 2 June 2026
  • This consistent habitation, in addition to facilitating ongoing science, has essentially given humanity a lens to see Earth from afar.
    Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 25 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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