as in jealous
intolerant of rivalry or unfaithfulness
he was very possessive of his girlfriend's attention, and it was really starting to annoy her
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Recent Examples of possessive
Has exhibited possessive or controlling behavior, and is in a recent or pending divorce or separation.
—
Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
Veteran morel mushroom hunters covet their secret spots with a possessive fervor equal to that of any bass fishermen or deer hunter.
—Matthew Every, Outdoor Life, 5 Mar. 2025
Dogs of any breed can become possessive; however, some are more naturally prone to jealousy.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
But beware of bosses who become possessive and prevent you from accepting other opportunities within the organization rather than viewing you as the organization’s investment in talent.
—Gus Gaynor, IEEE Spectrum, 12 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for possessive
Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
Veteran morel mushroom hunters covet their secret spots with a possessive fervor equal to that of any bass fishermen or deer hunter.
—Matthew Every, Outdoor Life, 5 Mar. 2025
Dogs of any breed can become possessive; however, some are more naturally prone to jealousy.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
But beware of bosses who become possessive and prevent you from accepting other opportunities within the organization rather than viewing you as the organization’s investment in talent.
—Gus Gaynor, IEEE Spectrum, 12 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for possessive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possessive
jealous
Adjective
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Alison’s jealous panic is quickly revealed to be based on a misunderstanding.—
Charlie Tyson,
New Yorker,
4 June 2025
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This doesn’t sit well with Mia’s very jealous ex-boyfriend Connor (Aramis Knight, oozing villainy as if to the Karate Kid manor born), who gives Li a black eye with a vicious sucker punch.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Possessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possessive. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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