possesses

VERB

have or obtain

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acquire carry enjoy maintain occupy own retain seize

STRONG

bear control corner dominate grab hog hold

WEAK

be blessed with be born with be endowed with corner the market get hands on get hold of have to name latch on to lock up sit on take over take possession

Antonyms

STRONGEST

fail free lack let go lose need release surrender yield

STRONG

abandon forsake

WEAK

dispossess miss not have

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.

See Examples For:

possesses

Counterterrorism tools are among the most powerful instruments the U.S. government possesses.

From Salon ● Jul. 23, 2026

The signal supports earlier theoretical predictions that the planet possesses an atmosphere.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 21, 2026

Their solid fuel relies on chemicals imported from China that Iran only possesses in limited quantities, they say.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 18, 2026

After dispatching Djokovic, he will have every confidence that he possesses the weaponry and experience to overcome Zverev, who he has not lost to since 2023.

From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026

These are the parents of the new generation, which, by simple inheritance, possesses all the qualities of “toughness” inherent in its forebears.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson