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
As a potential trade target, Zegras possesses the ultimate boom-bust profile.
—
Harman Dayal, New York Times, 30 May 2025
This comforter is lightweight and cooling but possesses the ability to keep sleepers warm.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 30 May 2025
Nearly three-quarters of adults age 25 or older living here possess at least a bachelor’s degree.
—Jackie Valley, Christian Science Monitor, 28 May 2025
As part of his plea, Kemp cannot possess a firearm.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for possess
Harman Dayal, New York Times, 30 May 2025
This comforter is lightweight and cooling but possesses the ability to keep sleepers warm.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 30 May 2025
Nearly three-quarters of adults age 25 or older living here possess at least a bachelor’s degree.
—Jackie Valley, Christian Science Monitor, 28 May 2025
As part of his plea, Kemp cannot possess a firearm.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for possess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possess
Verb
-
Meanwhile, the court claimed Hugh Lovell had no belongings available to confiscate.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
6 June 2025
-
At 18, Neave already has a League Cup winners’ medal, despite having yet to make a first-team appearance.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
Humectants are substances that attract and retain water molecules, keeping things moist and hydrated by drawing moisture from the air or from deeper layers of the skin.—
Angelica Bottaro,
Verywell Health,
4 June 2025
-
Shy Tuttle to retain his job this summer with so many talented players in front of him.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
4 June 2025
Verb
-
The Qataris brought in Rosewood, a luxury hotel chain that was started in Dallas and is now owned by a Hong Kong conglomerate.—
Mark Landler,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
-
Jesse Cole, along with his wife Emily, owns the Bananas.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
7 June 2025
Verb
-
The few canneries based in the United States are enjoying the rise in popularity among Americans.—
Ramishah Maruf,
CNN Money,
27 May 2025
-
Disfrutar’s goal was first and foremost, to create a dining experience guests would enjoy, hence the name, which means to enjoy in Spanish.—
Michelle Greenwald,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Possess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possess. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share