POSSESS Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

possess

verb

pə-ˈzes

Definition of possess

as in to have

to keep, control, or experience as one's own she possesses a keen insight into people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 possess Sadiq, especially, possesses significant speed at his position. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 Hollander plays Judge Jack Taylor, an authoritative man who weighs his words carefully, possessing both the warmth and charm of a country preacher and the cold edge of a cult leader. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026 Mark Salling, who played Noah Puckerman, died at 35 in 2018 in what appeared to be a suicide after pleading guilty to possessing child pornography. — Saba Hamedy, NBC news, 21 Oct. 2026 Good leadership is not about exercising every power the Board possesses. — Beth Davis Sramek, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for possess

Recent Examples of Synonyms for possess

Verb

New discoveries matter only if companies have the incentive and capital to bring them to market.

— Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Fellow guard Nick Dorn (Indiana) had 8 points and six rebounds.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of have

Verb

Now owned by the state of Bavaria, the ⁠Kehlsteinhaus was classified after the war as a historical monument recalling the Nazi period.

— Reuters, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026
The house is owned by his father-in-law, Robert Brockway, who owned a group of Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the Miami metropolitan area.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of own

Verb

Just a day earlier, he’d been spotted enjoying a pre-birthday dinner at Mamo in Manhattan, wrapped in a chestnut-brown fringed shawl that wouldn’t have looked out of place in Sienna Miller’s fall wardrobe.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2026
The Dolphins had run 293 offensive snaps and not enjoyed an advantage at any point in any of them.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of enjoy

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posses

possess

possessed

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“Possess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possess. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of possess

verb

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