possessed 1 of 2

Definition of possessednext

possessed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of possess

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 possessed
Adjective
During the interviews, officers confirmed that 27 of the 28 individuals had either received, sent, possessed or transported child pornography, according to the statement. Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026 In the Village Voice, where the Consumer Guide became one of the fabled alt-weekly’s go-to features from the ’70s through the ’90s, Christgau wrote like a possessed fan who breathed insight, making every capsule sound like a psychedelic sonnet. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
In our post-religious era—in which, beneath the cloak of secular humanitarianism, righteous religiosity and virtuous crusading remain as potent as ever—history has attained the authority, authenticity and prestige that religion and its prelates once possessed. Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 Mostly because one of them is possessed by a dark spirit. Marta Balaga, Variety, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for possessed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possessed
Adjective
  • After opening the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles, the United States followed it with a composed 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle.
    Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
  • While uniform cubes are suited for an elegant, composed presentation, torn croutons are a humble upgrade for nearly everything else where a little contrast is welcome.
    Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • The company remains family-owned, with Alice Chen, Roger’s daughter, taking over as chief executive in 2018 and Jonson Chen, Roger’s son, serving as chairman.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • At the end of a two-week trial, the verdict went strongly in favor of Maria Avila, who was viciously attacked by Hades, a 200-pound Caucasian shepherd owned by Brown, while emptying trash outside the singer’s Tarzana, California house.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • The collected luggage includes roller bags, duffel bags, suitcases and backpacks.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
  • That changed in 2018, when the Council passed Helen Rosenthal’s bill encouraging New Yorkers to report idling violations by requiring the city to publicize the process and pay them 25% of any collected fines for their efforts.
    Chris Hartmann, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • The jewelry designer and mother of two had a lumpectomy, underwent radiation and took Tamoxifen to reduce her risk of recurrence.
    Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • Unlike Brazil, the Philippines has never had a player make a meaningful impact on the professional game, especially on the women’s side.
    Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Its weightless-yet-revitalizing feel is thanks to moisturizing squalane, Japanese lemon balm and sunflower seed wax, which calm inflammation, improve the skin barrier, and lock in hydration.
    Grace Scollo, InStyle, 4 July 2026
  • One of the most consistent findings in stress physiology is that movement can be the fastest route to a calmer nervous system.
    Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • For ordinary users, this means more personal information is collected, passed through more systems and retained in more databases, all in the name of preventing crime.
    Susie Violet Ward, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004, at least 80% of the entrance fees paid onsite must be retained and used at the national park where the fees are collected.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • The project was set for Brownie Wise Park in Kissimmee, a serene 25-acre area purchased and conserved by the county for over a decade and popular for its walking trails.
    Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026
  • Completed in 1968 atop a steep hillside in Corte Madera, about 15 miles north of San Francisco, the cantilevered residence is equal parts bold architectural experiment and serene woodland sanctuary.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • The brothers were born in India and raised in Australia, where Johnny enjoyed a brief career as a semi professional cricket player.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Goodson explains that pomegranates thrive in warm climates and are widely enjoyed around the world.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Possessed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possessed. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on possessed

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster