possessing

Definition of possessingnext
present participle 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 possessing According to the records, almost all individuals were charged with possessing combinations of these drugs. Nathan Diller, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026 Cannon also sentenced him to a mandatory-minimum term of 7 years for his conviction on possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026 Solomon, also known as Ori Salomon, was arrested over the weekend and faces both state and federal charges, including felony disposal/discharge of hazardous waste in an unauthorized manner and allegedly violating his visa by possessing firearms. Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 4 Feb. 2026 Translated by Sara Khalili Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran resembles a half-lifeless body collapsed on the ground, yet still possessing powerful arms. Shahrnush Parsipur, Time, 3 Feb. 2026 One of the men is facing a federal charge of illegally possessing a firearm while in the United States unlawfully. Chase Rogers, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026 Trump has also left the door open to resuming nuclear deal negotiations that collapsed last summer, something the regime has signaled openness to despite their denials of ever desiring or possessing nuclear weapons. Zach Lachance, The Washington Examiner, 2 Feb. 2026 If convicted, Taras faces up to 15 years in federal prison for each count of illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition and up to five years for possessing a gun within 1,000 feet of a school. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 31 Jan. 2026 Emiliano Garduño Gálvez, 23, pleaded guilty in October to one count each of possessing an unregistered destructive device and obstructing law enforcement during a civil disorder. Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possessing
Verb
  • Support for socialism and for figures like Mamdani primarily comes from young people who feel priced out of the American dream—owning a home, securing a stable job, and starting a family.
    Neetu Arnold, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Cost to raise 25 most popular dog breeds The cost of owning a dog ranges from $25,200 to nearly $41,000 for the 25 most popular breeds, according to the report.
    Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Boxer Imane Khelif admitted to having the SRY gene, located on the Y chromosome, which is found in biological males, and undergoing hormone treatments to lower testosterone levels ahead of the 2024 Olympics in an interview with the French sports publication L'Equipe.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Angela Craig, the mother of his six children, was hospitalized on March 15, 2023, and died three days later after having a severe seizure.
    Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • For indoor houseplants, avoid potting mix that contains fertilizers or moisture-retaining material, sometimes called moisture beads.
    Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The ultra-soft, heat-retaining fabric stretches close to the body, trapping warmth efficiently and making long evenings at Copenhagen’s Christmas markets far more enjoyable.
    Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In the middle of it all, songwriter Diane Warren paused to take a selfie, still evidently enjoying the giddy thrill of being in a room full of fellow hopefuls even after 17 times.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Although quantifying morale and momentum is hard, by the end of 2025, the Democrats were enjoying an upturn in both.
    Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Possessing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possessing. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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