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 Then Lewis snatched the inbound pass to get possession and UConn fouled up three. Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026 With the win, the Tommies (21-7 overall, 10-3 Summit) reclaimed sole possession of second place in the Summit standings as North Dakota fell to conference leader North Dakota State on Saturday. Staff Report, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026 Columbia is 1-0 in one-possession games. ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026 In 1899, a French entrepreneur named Gustave-Émile Dumoutier petitioned Hanoi’s local government, then a colonial possession of France, to develop a stately hotel on the corner of Henri-Rivière boulevard. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for possession
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possession
Noun
  • Velzeboer's victory keeps the 1,000 title in Dutch hands.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Their hands hold a banner with pillars of our democracy written on it, from peace and truth to expression and equity.
    Anya Sesay, jsonline.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • There is one lesson, however, that’s best learned before your travel begins, and that’s the necessity of safety—for you and your belongings.
    Jennifer Vermeer, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Two of Cho’s tips for travel are to clear your space upon arrival with essential oils or sage, and to unpack your belongings right away, giving them room to stretch.
    Kyle Lucia Wu, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In his view, long-term occupancy develops when people feel their storage experience is handled with care.
    William Jones, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The department is also asking for the power to consider increases to bed capacity for nursing homes in areas where occupancy rates are 96% or higher for at least two consecutive quarters.
    Jenna Carlesso, Hartford Courant, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The set includes two armchairs, a loveseat, and sleek glass-top coffee table, all crafted from waterproof, weather-resistant synthetic wicker to ensure years of enjoyment.
    Melanie Fincher, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Vines flower spring through fall for months of color and enjoyment.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In the past few months, however, things have changed.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 17 Feb. 2026
  • There’s something about studying real-life situations that have happened and then creating and imagining into this fictional kind of characterization of things.
    Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Kaisariani executions of 200 communist political prisoners were one of the worst atrocities during the Third Reich’s occupation of Greece and remain a seminal moment for the country.
    Elena Becatoros, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026
  • All occupation children, all of mixed-race parentage and a result of war.
    Danielle Parker, CBS News, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In the weeks since, NYC and the surrounding areas have faced frigid temperatures, which has allowed for the white stuff to linger.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026
  • During the recent craft barbecue revival, cooks first mastered their meat-smoking methods then turned to the stuff served alongside.
    Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Social Circle location would be just one of 23 warehouses needing to be converted for human habitation.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Thomas was indicted for burglary of a habitation and could face 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
    Ginger Allen, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Possession.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possession. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on possession

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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