Synonyms of possession

possession

noun

pə-ˈze-shən 

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

• hands
• enjoyment
• control
• ownership
• keeping
• proprietorship
• dominion
• power
• mastery
• retention
• confiscation
• procurement
• claiming
• repossession
• authority
• command
• commandeering
• collaring

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• relinquishment
• surrendering
• dispossession
• nonpossession
• transferal

2

as in belongings

possessions plural transportable items that one owns

we packed up all of our possessions and excitedly moved into a new house

Synonyms & Similar Words

• belongings
• things
• stuff
• holdings
• goods
• gear
• effects
• personal property
• chattels
• paraphernalia
• plunder
• personalty
• personal effects
• movables
• property
• furnishings
• treasures
• valuables
• fixtures
• duds
• estate
• collateral
• appointments
• tangibles

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• real estate
• immovables

3

as in occupancy

the act or fact of residing in a place

squatters had established possession in the abandoned warehouse

Synonyms & Similar Words

• occupancy
• occupation
• habitation
• residency
• ownership
• tenancy
• proprietorship
• tenantry
• trespass

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ejection
• ejectment
• dispossession
• vacancy
• vacation
• vacating

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of possession

The pair have just been evicted from their apartment, coming home from church to find all of their worldly possessions on the stairs. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026

In a game that the New York Giants converted 9-of-11 third down attempts, ran for 165 yards and won the time of possession battle by over 13 minutes, the questions around the defense’s performance over the last two years are back at the forefront. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2026

Cano was thenarrested in May in the Bronx for robbery, menacing and gun possession. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 2026

If Syracuse can stop giving away possessions, this becomes an informative early ACC game. — Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026