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Definitions

possess

[puh-zes] / pəˈzɛs /
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.

It was thought to possess about 1,000 pounds of it before last June’s attack; the country probably still has hundreds of pounds.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

But as the machines possess neither of those qualities, it’s unlikely they would be able to impart them in a classroom.

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2026

Bosnia do not possess the same firepower as Belgium, but Wales cannot afford to gift their opponents those opportunities.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

The question is whether advanced AI systems merely simulate intelligent behavior or whether they also possess genuine awareness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

And speaking of “traveler,” what other weapons did the Russians possess that might be able to voyage here to the US?

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson