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
The measure was condemned for its disproportionate impact on African Americans, who were more likely to possess crack than the more expensive cocaine.
—
Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
The United States no longer possesses a military that is capable of fighting and defeating all its foes simultaneously.
—A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
The final form of the galaxy, despite the illustration here, is more likely to be a gas-rich, disk-possessing galaxy than the elliptical one shown, as only a small percentage of major mergers lead to a red-and-dead, gas-free elliptical final state.
—Big Think, 14 Mar. 2025
The study, on dog domestication, found that dogs possess two mutations of a gene known as melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R), which is linked to the production of cortisol, a hormone released during moments of fear or anxiety.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for possess
Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
The United States no longer possesses a military that is capable of fighting and defeating all its foes simultaneously.
—A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
The final form of the galaxy, despite the illustration here, is more likely to be a gas-rich, disk-possessing galaxy than the elliptical one shown, as only a small percentage of major mergers lead to a red-and-dead, gas-free elliptical final state.
—Big Think, 14 Mar. 2025
The study, on dog domestication, found that dogs possess two mutations of a gene known as melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R), which is linked to the production of cortisol, a hormone released during moments of fear or anxiety.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for possess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possess
Verb
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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
-
This at-bat had no significance on an eventual 7-2 Phillies win over the Miami Marlins.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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Salah Salah, who owns the store with his parents, said his biggest challenge is figuring out what supplies to order and how much.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
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The pair, who had previously built bombs on a farm owned by Nichols’ brother, began gathering the materials needed to blow up a large-scale building.—
Alex Gurley,
People.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The capital mainstay is home to a spacious dance floor — perfect for a hoedown or two — and a lush outdoor patio to enjoy a cool gin and tonic on the grass.—
Nico Lang,
Them.,
21 Apr. 2025
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Francis enjoyed immense popularity with rank-and-file Catholics during his 12-year papacy but struggled with conservative church hierarchy, sometimes finding himself at odds with traditional voices within the Curia.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Possess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possess. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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