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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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 ordinance also banned possession of automatic weapons, overriding a newly effective state law that allowed it. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026 The Broncos went three-and-out on 25% of their possessions, fourth worst. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026 Other footage confirms McKee was in possession of that vehicle, according to the affidavit, which described it as a silver SUV. Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026 Indiana’s Reed Bailey shot free throws on consecutive possessions. Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 1 Feb. 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
  • All his belongings, given to him after the operation, fit into a backpack and three bags.
    Chase Rogers, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
  • The deputy searched Jamall and his belongings, finding insulin in his luggage and two ecstasy pills in his pocket.
    Christopher Damien, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The occupancy at 300 South Tryon is at 100% with average lease terms of six years, according to the release.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Since last August, the new occupancy detection system installed in the center median of the 91 Freeway has helped the county recover more than $1 million in tolls and fees.
    Michele Gile, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The lot of the property covers a substantial area of 8,116 square feet, complete with a pool for outdoor enjoyment.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The lawsuit accuses the city of taking no efforts to stop trespassers and failing to compensate the owners for their loss of use and enjoyment of the property.
    Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Indeed, the homogenization of taste, caused in part by streaming platforms, social media feeds and online algorithms, means that people – even VICs, for all their wealth – often want the same things.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Missouri Automobile Dealers Association CEO Doug Smith said the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the move to online car shopping and pushed dealers to offer home delivery of vehicles and other perks aimed at making things faster and easier for consumers.
    Summer Ballentine, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 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
  • But nothing could have prepared viewers for the movie's ending, as an unfinished screenplay became the stuff of nightmares — literally and figuratively.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The way it's organized, the amount of words on a recipe website - all of that is there because people believe that the Google search algorithm will favor that stuff.
    Bill Chappell, NPR, 7 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

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Cite this Entry

“Possession.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possession. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

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