as in owns
to keep, control, or experience as one's own
she possesses a keen insight into people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 possesses
Still grieving the death of his wife and the imprisonment of his son, Brandis binges on booze but possesses a sharp and intuitive mind, even if his family life is in disarray.
—
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
Nebius additionally possesses a solid balance sheet.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
White Out possesses the quest element that propels many a recovery memoir—except that in Clune’s case, the quest for sobriety is until the end consistently subordinated to the quest to score more drugs.
—Scott Stossel, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025
Brian Dunne’s terrific new album Clams Casino possesses that same kind of teleportation magic, albeit with less nostalgia and more melancholy.
—Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
Sometimes the Essex Hellhound possesses a man.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Despite the offseason loss of both coordinators, Detroit still possesses a deep roster.
—Jim Reineking, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Most often it’s considered an evil spirit that preys upon and possesses those who become lost in a literal or metaphorical sense.
—Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
Gastón Solnicki’s latest work features a magnetic central performance from Willem Dafoe, it is artfully composed with painterly images, shots of Vienna at sunset are exquisite, and its spartan dialogue possesses a dry wit.
—Leila Latif, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2025
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
Nebius additionally possesses a solid balance sheet.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
White Out possesses the quest element that propels many a recovery memoir—except that in Clune’s case, the quest for sobriety is until the end consistently subordinated to the quest to score more drugs.
—Scott Stossel, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025
Brian Dunne’s terrific new album Clams Casino possesses that same kind of teleportation magic, albeit with less nostalgia and more melancholy.
—Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
Sometimes the Essex Hellhound possesses a man.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Despite the offseason loss of both coordinators, Detroit still possesses a deep roster.
—Jim Reineking, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Most often it’s considered an evil spirit that preys upon and possesses those who become lost in a literal or metaphorical sense.
—Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
Gastón Solnicki’s latest work features a magnetic central performance from Willem Dafoe, it is artfully composed with painterly images, shots of Vienna at sunset are exquisite, and its spartan dialogue possesses a dry wit.
—Leila Latif, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possesses
Verb
-
Austin Slater owns a prominent spot on that list.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
20 Sep. 2025
-
The media firm owns large-market stations in New York (WPIX), Los Angeles (KTLA), Chicago (WGN-TV) and Philadelphia (WPHL-TV) in addition to several smaller broadcasters.—
Ty Roush,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The aforementioned head also has lights, with batteries included, and a tiny switch behind the neck.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
The newspaper reported at the time that Zinn has a criminal record dating back to 1989 that includes dozens of convictions for petty crimes such as criminal trespass, theft of services, interfering with a police officer and disturbing the peace.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The soft details include a tagless design and chafe-free stitching, and the crew neck retains its shape well.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The result is a retro profile that still retains a contemporary appeal.—
Katia Damborsky,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Another reader enjoys preserving a traditional family recipe.—
Cathy Kozlowicz,
jsonline.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Located on the state’s southeastern coast, just 30 minutes north of glitzy West Palm Beach, Jupiter enjoys a slower, more serene pace that’s perfect for lazy days of relaxing with a view of the water.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Possesses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possesses. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share