keep possession

VERB

retain

Synonyms

STRONGEST

absorb cling to contain enjoy have hold keep maintain own possess preserve recognize

STRONG

clutch detain grasp husband memorize mind recall recollect remember reminisce reserve restrain retrospect save withhold

WEAK

bear in mind hand onto hold fast keep in mind put away

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abandon desert disperse dispossess exclude ignore lack let go lose miss misunderstand need neglect not have release want

STRONG

disregard forget free liberate waste

WEAK

fire pass up spend

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"He loves to keep possession, and is always looking to make an exciting play."

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

The U.S. was sloppy with the puck and struggled to keep possession in the offensive zone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

As she fought to keep possession of the ball, she found Dunn wide open in the corner and heaved it to her.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2025

Iran sat back, letting the Americans keep possession before launching occasional counterattacks.

From Washington Post • Nov. 29, 2022

The end of this faithful bird was very sad; for when the dog died, she would still keep possession of the kennel.

From Anecdotes of Animals by Billinghurst, Percy J.

keep possession

Example Sentences

Related Words