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 By the way, Manufaktur is Mercedes’ high-end customization arm, and my tester possessed as much as $24,440 worth of its equipment. — Peter Nelson, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 But only Defendants possess the documents and information that Plaintiffs need to confirm public reporting and identify which agencies Defendants will target next so Plaintiffs can seek preliminary relief and mitigate further harm. — Ars Technica, 19 Mar. 2025 Thus, bitcoin possesses key attributes for use as money: scarcity, utility, and trust, which are not subject to government manipulation. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2025 This week, however, CSIS said China was on track to reach a 425-ship fleet by 2030—compared with the 300 vessels possessed by the U.S. Navy. — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for possess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possess
  1. have
  2. retain
  3. own
  4. enjoy
Verb
  • Goodman has a nervy start, with an errant pass out of play.
    — Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The sheriff's office has no jurisdiction over the case but sent detectives to the island to assist local investigators.
    — Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of have
Verb
  • Art Deco influences like the curvature inside have been retained, while otherwise the house has been updated with modern, colorful touches and appliances.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2025
  • San Francisco-based Niantic will retain its technology and spin it into a new company called Niantic Spatial Inc., according to a release on its website, which will help machines learn to interact with the real world using artificial intelligence.
    — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of retain
Verb
  • The issue of land in South Africa is highly emotive given that more than 30 years after the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule, whites still own most of the good commercial farming land despite making up just 7% of the population.
    — Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Pressuring Musk Musk, the world’s richest man, owns about 411 million shares of Tesla, or about 13%, and has lost most of the gains the company saw in December.
    — Auzinea Bacon, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of own
Verb
  • The legend of Two Lovers Point is a timeless, bittersweet tale of eternal love and every year, thousands of locals and visitors come through and celebrate their love while enjoying one of the best views on Guam.
    — Roger Sands, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Nicole has written for Conde Nast Traveler, Domino, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle, among other titles, and enjoys crafting stories where several pockets of culture intersect.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of enjoy

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“Possess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possess. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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