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

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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

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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 The return of James Maddison from injury has certainly given Tottenham more creativity in possession. Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 24 May 2026 The ordinance also banned possession of automatic weapons, overriding a newly effective state law that allowed it. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026 The most coveted possession in luxury isn’t kept in a wardrobe. Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 23 May 2026 Vegas has slowed Colorado down in the neutral zone, but also been able to defend with a compact shell once the Avs do create offensive possessions. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for possession
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possession
Noun
  • Both girls are high achievers, happy at school and their other activities, but the parents do have their hands full managing the dynamics because one of the girls has a pretty serious anxiety disorder.
    R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 26 May 2026
  • But the 5-foot-11, 229-pounder still packed a punch with his hands.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2026
Noun
  • Prosecutors said Altoona officials sought the warrant to facilitate the transfer of Mangione’s belongings to New York investigators, not to authorize the search of his possessions.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
  • Ellis used a firearm to threaten victims and steal jewelry and other belongings, including family heirlooms and wedding rings, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Hotel occupancy rates in Abu Dhabi during the Eid al-Fitr holiday in mid-March fell by 45% compared with last year, according to real estate data and analytics provider CoStar.
    Amy Gunia, CNN Money, 22 May 2026
  • In the release, Massport said the remote terminal expands upon the Logan Express system (LEX), a high-occupancy bus transportation program that delivers travelers directly to the terminal curb from five locations in Boston.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • When the Moon enters Taurus, enjoyment gives your confidence something solid to build on.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • Ben Shapiro’s heartwarming enjoyment of musical theater?
    Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
  • Or, in this case, cutting things up with scissors and tossing them around.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • These are expenses incurred to obtain certificates, licenses or other credentials for an occupation or profession.
    Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
  • On the same date in 1902, the US formally ended its years-long military occupation of the former Spanish colony.
    Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • But a return to tip-top command – often what eludes a Tommy John patient the most – and stuff will require patience.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 23 May 2026
  • Costa Rica’s Deep Sea Costa Rica’s biodiversity is the stuff of nature documentaries, but most travelers only ever see one slice of it at a time.
    Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • It will also be used as a test-bed for long-term habitation and preparatory work for permanent bases.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
  • Fire changed human habitation in ways our ancestors could hardly have imagined.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Possession.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possession. Accessed 26 May. 2026.

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