possess

verb

pə-ˈzes How to pronounce possess (audio)
Definition of possessnext
as in to have
to keep, control, or experience as one's own she possesses a keen insight into people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 possess Nikko Remigio likely will be the primary return man, but Smith possesses better big-play ability. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026 Kelly, a supremely talented showman and dancer, already possesses the ability to move his body in ways that seem impossible to most of the audience. — James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 The technology is now at the center of a push at the California State Capitol to prohibit law enforcement agencies in the state from possessing or using the devices. — Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 Among the three main economic players today, China is the most vulnerable, the United States has the most capacity to reduce its exposure, and Europe possesses latent power but a dubious ability to use it. — Michael Pettis, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for possess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possess
  1. have
  2. retain
  3. own
  4. enjoy
Verb
  • And some of the outlook may have less to do with the immediate issues and more about life stage.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Staff come from all over the globe, and have extensive top-level international hospitality experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of have
Verb
  • Conversely, someone with a BMI in the normal range could have lost considerable muscle while retaining excess body fat.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • These were followed by black- and silver-dial models retaining the dual-color bezel.
    — Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of retain
Verb
  • Requests for comment were sent to the Red Sox and Audacy, which owns WEEI, but were not immediately returned.
    — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the tenants launched a rent strike at the beginning of the month while Levovitz still owned the building.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of own
Verb
  • Her teachers enjoyed her drawings and left her alone to make them.
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • At the same time, the collaboration enjoys enormous gains on two other lists.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of enjoy

Browse Nearby Words

posses
possess
possessed
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Cite this Entry

“Possess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possess. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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