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
-
However, my hand has real diamond support, with even the club jack potentially pulling its weight, and my spades are poor.—
Deb Harvell,
Arkansas Online,
25 May 2025
-
Only seven qualified American League hitters have a lower one.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
25 May 2025
Verb
-
While the physical manuscripts have returned to China and will go on view at the National Museum of China in July, the Smithsonian will retain digital versions of the documents for further research.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 May 2025
-
So far, the second-term Trump Administration has scrubbed federal websites, limited reporters’ access, and used disappearing-message apps for high-level communications that typically should be retained for posterity.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
23 May 2025
Verb
-
Low-income housing in Idaho can be exempt from taxation only if it’s owned and managed by a nonprofit.—
Carolyn Komatsoulis,
Idaho Statesman,
26 May 2025
-
Companies like Zoox, owned by Amazon, and Nuro have all been running pilot programs in various cities around the country.—
Jessica Mathews,
Fortune,
26 May 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
-
The Big Apple isn’t the only destination to enjoy this urban astronomy delight, either.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Outside Online,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Possess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possess. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share