as in to have
to keep, control, or experience as one's own
she possesses a keen insight into people
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of possess
In the late 1800s, two child psychologists coined the term only child syndrome to describe the negative traits that their research showed only children often possess, including being spoiled, selfish, maladjusted, and anti-social.
—
Liz Hammond, Vogue, 11 June 2025
These leaders will inevitably need to collaborate with industry specialists who possess the intimate knowledge of workflows, regulations, and user experiences in finance.
—Dr. Vinay Nair, Founder and Ceo Of Tifin, CNBC, 10 June 2025
Guest has been charged with felonies for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia and possessing both drugs and firearms at the same time.
—arkansasonline.com, 10 June 2025
The countries each possess about 170 nuclear weapons, according to the think-tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for possess
Liz Hammond, Vogue, 11 June 2025
These leaders will inevitably need to collaborate with industry specialists who possess the intimate knowledge of workflows, regulations, and user experiences in finance.
—Dr. Vinay Nair, Founder and Ceo Of Tifin, CNBC, 10 June 2025
Guest has been charged with felonies for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia and possessing both drugs and firearms at the same time.
—arkansasonline.com, 10 June 2025
The countries each possess about 170 nuclear weapons, according to the think-tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
—Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for possess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possess
Verb
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At 18, Neave already has a League Cup winners’ medal, despite having yet to make a first-team appearance.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
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Prospective candidates had until May 30 to submit their applications.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 June 2025
Verb
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For example, by day 70, Manhattan condos retain almost 97% of their original asking price, while Manhattan townhouses have already slipped to 92%.—
John Walkup,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
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Patients retain more energy, more dignity, more of their ordinary lives.—
Siddhartha Mukherjee,
New Yorker,
16 June 2025
Verb
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Jesse Cole, along with his wife Emily, owns the Bananas.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
7 June 2025
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Associations’ assets are all jointly owned by their unit-owner members.—
Michael L. Hyman,
Miami Herald,
7 June 2025
Verb
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On warm summer evenings your patio may come alive with the powerful croaking of tree frogs that enjoy the moist and protective habitat of potted succulents.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 June 2025
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Designed with a deep respect for the natural landscape, each homesite averages over a half acre, giving homeowners the space and serenity to enjoy a tranquil lifestyle rarely found in today’s fast-growing Kansas City metropolitan area.—
Prime Development Land Company,
Kansas City Star,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Possess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possess. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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