as in to have
to keep, control, or experience as one's own
she possesses a keen insight into people
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 possess
Modern vehicle factories already possess the high-precision machining, supply chains, robotics, and quality-control systems required for large-scale production of complex mechanical and electronic components.
—
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
For the first time since its monster bow on Billboard‘s Top Movie Songs chart, powered by Tunefind (a Songtradr company), in July 2025, KPop Demon Hunters doesn’t possess the top two songs on the monthly tally.
—Kevin Rutherford, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2026
Heifler is charged with unlawfully making and possessing firearms, which carries a maximum of 10 years in prison.
—Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
The United States possesses vast mineral resources.
—John Adams, Boston Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for possess
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
For the first time since its monster bow on Billboard‘s Top Movie Songs chart, powered by Tunefind (a Songtradr company), in July 2025, KPop Demon Hunters doesn’t possess the top two songs on the monthly tally.
—Kevin Rutherford, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2026
Heifler is charged with unlawfully making and possessing firearms, which carries a maximum of 10 years in prison.
—Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
The United States possesses vast mineral resources.
—John Adams, Boston Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for possess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possess
Verb
-
The Kings never had the defensive activity to disrupt them much.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Political experts have also pointed out that Proposition 50 passed with a wide margin, with 64% of of voters approving the measure, so the investigation wouldn't have any impact on the results.—
Laurie Perez,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Mair missed a 3 from the corner with 5 seconds to play for Duke, but the Blue Devils retained possession after the ball went off an LSU player.—
Joe Davidson
March 27,
Sacbee.com,
28 Mar. 2026
-
If signed, municipalities retain some say, with provisions allowing cities to stop plans that present deleterious environmental impacts, health and safety risks, or undue burden on infrastructure like sewer or water.—
Mark Dee
March 28,
Idaho Statesman,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Michele Perez, who owns or part-owns two homes in Hialeah, Villa Rosa III and The Palms, said Hernandez has placed DCF clients in her facilities, which accept people with mental illness who other owners reject.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The Inn was founded by and remains owned by the Shorefast charity, which is dedicated to securing Fogo Island’s cultural and economic future.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The lobby also doubles as a café (where guests enjoy complimentary coffee and tea all day long), so you'll be welcomed by the smell of roasting beans.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Three sides of the bar are open to the general public, who can walk around the backside of the North End Zone concourse and still enjoy the new view of the field.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Possess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possess. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
