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
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Recent Examples of possess
Charlemagne supposedly said that to have another language is to possess a second soul.
—
Matthew Sole, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
He is widely seen as an extraordinary statesman who possessed a unique blend of intellect and political ability, and who remained a humble and approachable father figure for his people throughout his long tenure.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
But reptiles aren’t the only animals documented to possess a sensitivity to smoke.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 Sep. 2025
Musk possesses an almost supernatural ability to conjure investor zeal and create products that redefine entire industries.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for possess
Matthew Sole, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
He is widely seen as an extraordinary statesman who possessed a unique blend of intellect and political ability, and who remained a humble and approachable father figure for his people throughout his long tenure.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
But reptiles aren’t the only animals documented to possess a sensitivity to smoke.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 Sep. 2025
Musk possesses an almost supernatural ability to conjure investor zeal and create products that redefine entire industries.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for possess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possess
Verb
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The sensor handles up to 70Gs of acceleration and has a sensitivity of up to 30,000 dots per inch (DPI).—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
18 Sep. 2025
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The remaining 10 analysts have a hold equivalent rating.—
Sean Conlon,
CNBC,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The brands that double down on efforts to retain customers through engagement and personalized experiences stand to win on two fronts–retaining more customers while attracting consumers dissatisfied with their current banking experience.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Always in darkness, PSRs are thought to retain water ice that, if present, could be converted into drinkable water, breathable oxygen and rocket fuel.—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Austin Slater owns a prominent spot on that list.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
20 Sep. 2025
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Hulu is owned by Disney, the parent company of ABC.—
Reia Li,
USA Today,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
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At peace with his decision, Kershaw is enjoying the benefits of health in his age-37 season after a series of injuries and surgeries that ravaged his body in recent years.—
Wayne G. McDonnell,
Forbes.com,
20 Sep. 2025
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Trump's historic two-day state visit to the country ended Thursday, after the president enjoyed a banquet at Windsor Castle with the royal family and talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside business leaders.—
Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Possess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possess. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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