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 Reaves had 32 points, Marcus Smart had 21 points and five steals, and LeBron James had 17 points in 40 minutes, saving one possession with a wild, diving effort. Dan Woike, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2026 Guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Luka Doncic on the last possession of a deadlocked game is one of the most unenviable tasks in any professional sports league. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026 Dixon made a 3-pointer on UCI’s first possession of the second half to move the Anteaters back ahead 33-31, and the teams traded leads until the score was tied one final time at 50-50. Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026 The Cavaliers couldn’t get a shot off in time in their next possession and Duke seized the momentum with Evans, who played high school basketball 20 minutes from the arena, hitting two free throws for a 70-66 lead. Steve Reed, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for possession
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possession
Noun
  • In the meantime, apply a smear of lotion to your hands to protect your skin and prepare a bowl of ice-cold water.
    Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The fabric covering her front continued behind her like two mini trains, which Olandria waved with her hands, creating an almost wing-like shape.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Investigators later recovered Lee's hair and belongings from King's home and vehicle, authorities said.
    DAVID FISCHER THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Investigators later recovered Lee's hair and belongings from King's home and vehicle, authorities said.
    CBS Miami Team, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • New construction can take three to five years from concept to occupancy.
    Rafael Leon, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Caps on the number of short-term rentals, as well as any limits on their concentration or rules around owner-occupancy, would be banned.
    Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Manz requested that the restaurant shell out $100,000 to compensate him for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress and lost enjoyment of his New York City trip.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2026
  • That’s because proper grading and drainage lay the foundation for healthy soil and plants, and good design shapes a functional flow in your everyday enjoyment of the garden, from utility paths to outlets, hose spigots, and lighting.
    Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • That changes things up for Diabate.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Share credit, set boundaries around your time and money, and keep things grounded with an open list of your goals.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In an agricultural region battered by urbanization, climate change, and unjust occupation, the director chronicles a man’s desperate fight to preserve centuries-old ways of living.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Unlike the teams’ two January games in Minneapolis, played under the specter of heavy occupation by federal immigration agents, the matchup in San Francisco was played under more normal circumstances.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • From tearing stuff in my knee, to being a starter.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2026
  • People love to scoff at this sort of high-concept culinary stuff.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The streamer has had a deal in place for nearly three months, through every Ellison shareholder agitation or Kennedy Center habitation.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Possession.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possession. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

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