repossess

verb

re·​pos·​sess ˌrē-pə-ˈzes How to pronounce repossess (audio)
also -ˈses
repossessed; repossessing; repossesses
Synonyms of repossessnext

transitive verb

1
a
: to regain possession of
b
: to take possession of (something bought) from a buyer in default of the payment of installments due
2
: to restore to possession
repossession
ˌrē-pə-ˈze-shən How to pronounce repossess (audio)
also -ˈse-
noun
repossessor
ˌrē-pə-ˈze-sər How to pronounce repossess (audio)
also -ˈse-
noun

Synonyms of repossess

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Examples of repossess in a Sentence

The bank repossessed her truck. if you don't pay off the loan, the bank will come and repossess your car
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Free college is a claim on knowledge no one can repossess. — Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Courts have also been reluctant to treat a surname as property that can be repossessed upon divorce. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026 For example, if a vehicle is repossessed after death and sold for less than the amount owed, the lender may seek the deficiency balance from the estate. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 23 June 2026 If a lender in Maryland needs a car repossessed in Seattle and doesn’t know any agents there, a forwarder with a national repo database may manage the job, from assignment to resolution. — Paige Williams, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for repossess

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of repossess was in the 15th century

Rhymes for repossess

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Browse Nearby Words

repository
repossess
repost
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Repossess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repossess. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

repossess

verb
re·​pos·​sess ˌrē-pə-ˈzes How to pronounce repossess (audio)
: to regain or retake possession of
repossession
-ˈzesh-ən How to pronounce repossess (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

repossess

transitive verb
re·​pos·​sess ˌrē-pə-ˈzes How to pronounce repossess (audio)
: to regain possession of
especially : to take possession of again by judicial process or self-help upon default of the payment of installments due compare foreclose, seize sense 2
repossessor
-ˈze-sər How to pronounce repossess (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on repossess

Nglish: Translation of repossess for Spanish Speakers

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