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
  • The move gives authorities the ability to double fines and citations, impound vehicles for up to 72 hours and issue occupancy limits on the beach.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Its troubles come as tourism and hotel occupancy have flattened in Miami Beach.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • My in-destination partners are equipped to handle any unexpected challenges swiftly, maintaining the quality and enjoyment of your travel.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
  • And the enjoyment of the water.
    Nathan Rott, NPR, 17 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
  • No reason not to just say stuff like this to him.
    Souvankham Thammavongsa, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Dion Brown made nine of his 10 shots, while Robbie Avila ranged from rim stuffs to a 28-foot triple.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The National Construction Authority found that 58% of the buildings in Nairobi were unfit for habitation.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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