possession

Definition of possessionnext
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 In 2013 he was involved in a single-vehicle accident and subsequently was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 14 June 2026 Charges included assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon (gun), disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and more. Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026 In all, 63 people were arrested, with charges including assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026 San Antonio took away the paint, disrupted the Knicks’ rhythm and made nearly every possession feel overtime. C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for possession
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possession
Noun
  • If that happens, remove the safety clip, hold the can with both hands, and prepare to spray when the bear is roughly 30 to 40 feet away.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026
  • While Zendaya, 29, sported a simple gold band on her ring finger, Holland's hands were bare.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • The top-lid opening provides easy access to your belongings, with carry-on and checked size options.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 June 2026
  • Investigators noted a strong odor of gasoline coming from his belongings.
    Jason Rantala, CBS News, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • For residents concerned about future thefts, Colina recommended creating the illusion of occupancy when away, such as leaving a car in the driveway or placing a pair of worn shoes outside the front door.
    Steve Maugeri, CBS News, 18 June 2026
  • Seeing no efforts to fix the issues, the city declared the property unsafe and unfit for human occupancy in March and immediately closed the site.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Both genres play on the idea of surprise and communal enjoyment, which is what Murai found so compelling about the show overall.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2026
  • The technology has enhanced his understanding of fish and his enjoyment of fishing, Schneider said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • And as things like broadcast quality and stadium design become more and more homogenised, making every tournament look more and more similar, kit design is more and more important to their visual identity.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • Some things — Shar Peis, linen pants, prunes — are just supposed to have wrinkles.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • As in practically every white-collar occupation, lawyers are embracing AI to make their practices more efficient and effective, and many lawyers use ChatGPT to do some types of legal work.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026
  • Following the 1940 Nazi occupation of Denmark, Washington established a protective mandate over Greenland to secure its strategic cryolite mines and critical Arctic weather stations.
    Barry Scott Zellen, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Chases and weird extraterrestrial stuff abounds, leading to one of Spielberg's most gripping climaxes ever.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 13 June 2026
  • This year is yet another for the World Cup; Yu Masui and Takeji Hirakawa are still strutting their stuff, and Phil Oh, along with Acielle Tanbetova, will be documenting all the off-the-runway action.
    Irene Kim, Vogue, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • The Artemis program, proposing lunar habitation and infrastructure, stands to redefine the role of our species within the universe.
    Time, Time, 2 June 2026
  • This consistent habitation, in addition to facilitating ongoing science, has essentially given humanity a lens to see Earth from afar.
    Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 25 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Possession.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possession. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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