possession

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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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 Martinez, clad only in his boxers, was arrested and hit with numerous gun possession charges. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2025 He was also charged federally with arson and unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2025 Marijuana possession becomes a felony charge when someone has more than 1.5 ounces for personal use or intends to distribute, sell or grow the substance. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2025 Orlando was within 78-75 midway through the fourth quarter with a potential game-tying possession when Paolo Banchero lost the ball on a drive. Staff and News Service Reports, Oc Register, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for possession
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possession
Noun
  • House Bill 1004 would ban the use of algorithmic devices that are used to set or recommend rental prices or occupancy levels in rental housing.
    The Denver Post, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2025
  • According to a spokesperson for Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, uptown occupancy rates for on the festival’s opening day was 89.9%, 82.7% on its second and 76.3% on the the final day.
    Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • That collection of feelings is called anhedonia—basically a loss of enjoyment.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The show was short-lived, but there was true porcine enjoyment in watching this beloved Muppet get her own talk show.
    James Mercadante, EW.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The challenge has always been to figure out how to personalize things without spending inordinate amounts of time and money mapping out every possible path a student might take.
    Ray Ravaglia, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
  • As a business owner, higher profit margins, all other things being equal, are more valuable.
    Bill Stone, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • These aren't colonial outposts but partnerships built on mutual interests, allowing the U.S. to project power, deter adversaries, and shape global security without the need for war or occupation.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Some documents fully publicized the witnesses’ names and occupations, while others only identified them by name or topic areas, leaving it unclear exactly who the prosecution might ask to testify.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • All of this stuff goes back to last year’s legal challenge against the legality of the Premier League’s APT regulations, which was, legally, entirely separate to the ongoing saga related to the 130 charges against City.
    Sam Lee, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Last-minute fixes were still being made, and some Cubs players trickled into the clubhouse to put stuff in their lockers or work out on their off day.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In Africa, the earliest evidence of human rainforest habitation dated to 18,000 years ago.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Ice may lie an inch or so below the Moon’s surface in many more regions than previously thought — which has major implications for longer-term lunar exploration or even habitation.
    Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Possession.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possession. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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