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.

The weak military lacks advanced air-defense systems and missile capabilities, and possesses only a handful of attack planes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

It possesses the most lethal and far-flung military; it controls the leading currency; its leaders’ words and deeds are more closely observed and analyzed than those of any other leaders.

From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026

To replace a legendary producer like Simon, Weiss appointed Nick Bilton, a former tech columnist and documentary filmmaker who possesses no traditional broadcast journalism experience.

From Salon • Jun. 1, 2026

Odegaard has suffered a couple of indifferent seasons, largely blighted by injury, but possesses a rare ability to weave his way through opposition defences as well as picking out the perfect pass.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Something possesses me and I’m able to move.

From "King and the Dragonflies" by Kacen Callender