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
Approximately 30,000 nuclear weapons were spread across Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine, with Ukraine possessing nearly 1,900 strategic nuclear warheads and thousands of tactical nuclear weapons.
—
Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
However, relying on AI too much might easily compromise the critical thinking, independence and problem-solving skills that humans possess.
—Julius Černiauskas, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Just as a resilient football team bounces back from setbacks and finds ways to overcome adversity, a resilient organization must possess the same fortitude.
—Dana Berg, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Glowing scouting reports outlined his pace, technical skills, finishing, one-vs-one ability, dribbling, movement and height — an array of attributes that an individual striker rarely possesses.
—Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for possess
Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
However, relying on AI too much might easily compromise the critical thinking, independence and problem-solving skills that humans possess.
—Julius Černiauskas, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Just as a resilient football team bounces back from setbacks and finds ways to overcome adversity, a resilient organization must possess the same fortitude.
—Dana Berg, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Glowing scouting reports outlined his pace, technical skills, finishing, one-vs-one ability, dribbling, movement and height — an array of attributes that an individual striker rarely possesses.
—Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for possess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possess
Verb
-
The play-in tournament means you are certified to have had a mediocre season, like Miami’s 37-45.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Seven additional people involved in the collision had minor injuries.—
Amy McDaniel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Last week, the Trump administration demanded Harvard change multiple policies — including those regarding protesting and diversity, equity and inclusion programs — in order to retain its federal funding.—
Tara Suter,
The Hill,
17 Apr. 2025
-
As fans returned, WrestleMania 37 in 2021 Night 1 started with a WWE Championship match won by Bobby Lashley, while WrestleMania 38 in 2022 Night 1 opened with The Usos retaining their SmackDown Tag Team Titles.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The couple, who have seven boys ranging in age from 6 years old to 27, also own a Victorian-style house on 5 acres in nearby Vineyard, east of Elk Grove.—
David Caraccio,
Sacramento Bee,
22 Mar. 2025
-
The utility had owned replacement generators since 1988 but had not installed them.—
Spencer Kimball,
CNBC,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The 44-year-old mainstay has enjoyed a torrid start to 2025 with four top-five starts, winning at Darlington last time out and at Martinsville on March 30.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Among those to have more recently enjoyed its scenery — parts of Star Wars and James Bond movies have been shot on location there — and social scene are Brad Pitt, Madonna, Mick Jagger, Catherine Zeta Jones, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Possess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possess. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share