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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 possessive
There was a woman next to me who was really possessive of the armrest.
—
Matt Villano, AFAR Media, 16 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for possessive
Matt Villano, AFAR Media, 16 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for possessive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possessive
jealous
Adjective
-
Griffiths isn’t jealous of her colleagues’ roles, however.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
18 June 2025
-
Trying to compare Prudence Featherington, the jealous and spoiled sister of Penelope Featherington (now Penelope Bridgerton!), to Nancy Mitford is a weird task for Carter.—
Julia Moore,
People.com,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Possessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possessive. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share