POSSESSES Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

possesses

verb

present tense third-person singular of possess

as in owns

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

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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 The tri-captain possesses a certain gravitas that has helped drive the Warriors to the Class 2A state championship game, according to junior midfielder and tri-captain Lino Melero. — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026 Each of the three theaters also possesses a distinct spatial character. — Wendy Wang, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2026 Sadiq, especially, possesses significant speed at his position. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 Good leadership is not about exercising every power the Board possesses. — Beth Davis Sramek, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 One is that Chris’ soul possesses Billy’s car at her death and turns it into Stephen King’s famous killer car, Christine. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026 NDCs are certificates or licenses that signal that a worker possesses a particular qualification or competency. — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Her path crosses with that of Inocência, an enslaved Black woman who possesses healing knowledge, knows the land, and devises her own strategies of resistance. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 The silhouette of the 2CV possesses a distinct European character that newer global competitors simply cannot replicate. — New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for possesses

Verb

Colossal owns a stake and licenses its technology to the startup.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
In Los Angeles, the Chetrit Organization also owns the long-idle Trinity Auditorium, also known as the Embassy Auditorium and Embassy Hotel.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of owns

Verb

Constant calls demanding others pay for every social cause regardless of cost has its limits.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Both approaches require costly infrastructure, but while exports could quickly fill government coffers, using gas to fuel industrialization has the potential to deliver a larger long-term payoff.

— Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of has

Verb

Despite the protests, Vucic retains considerable support among Serbia's voters.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Despite not receiving the endorsement of the faculty guild, Buelna retains the support of a number of faculty members, including the president of the academic senate, Angela Echeverri.

— Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of retains

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

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Synonyms of possesses

verb

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