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

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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 It's named after the owner of the mine, Thomas Cullinan, and has been in the possession of the British monarchy since 1907. Emma Banks, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026 Nevada turns it over on its next two possessions and doesn’t make a basket in its final five. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026 On the final possession, Stirtz missed two of Iowa’s three 3-point attempts on the final possession, including one at the buzzer. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026 That man was arrested, along with Lozano, in an unrelated drug and gun possession investigation later that same day. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for possession
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possession
Noun
  • Richard and Moody tried their hands at Butler-style pullup jumpers, and Hield handled the ball a tad more than Kerr would have probably liked.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Using your hands, mix until combined (don’t be gentle; mixing well will help the meatballs hold their shape when formed).
    Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Chicago police said a 39-year-old man was getting out of his car in the 5200 block of West Montana Street when two men walked up with a gun and demanded his belongings.
    Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • When last year’s wildfire consumed their home and belongings, the couple made around $20,000 on TikTok live, where fans can donate directly.
    Rachel Brodsky, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • From 2022 to 2024, Herbert filmed several such tours, often led by the homeowners themselves, most of whom are white, including some who can trace their family’s occupancy to before the Civil War.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Torres stressed that his team acted cautiously in the decision to authorize the school for occupancy, and that promising preliminary testing helped school administrators plan ahead.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The real-life friends instigated the project and serve as producers, with their obvious glee in playing off each other adding greatly to the enjoyment.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Along with the rows and rows of grapevines, the land is planted with orchards for your enjoyment.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But those are very different things.
    Anna Schecter, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Anything tied to the royals will always draw some interest, which actually underscores how difficult things are for Harry and Meghan, as even their titles no longer seem enough to attract audiences to lackluster projects.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • What are people reading under occupation?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026
  • That is not what this occupation is about.
    Alex Derosier, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • According to Stephanie Hunt, founder and creative director of The Flairhunter, the trend is now about intentionally curating meaningful objects into living spaces rather than simply layering more stuff.
    Amanda Lauren, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Otherwise, the Werk Room stuff is all fun but inconsequential.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The population of people living outside, in their cars or in other places not meant for human habitation rose by 45% from 2024 to 2025.
    Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Russell Cave National Monument Alabama’s cavernous archaeological site contains an exceptionally complete record of human habitation dating back more than 10,000 years, and is entirely closed to the public as a result of the winter storm.
    Owen Clarke, Outside, 26 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Possession.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possession. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

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