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.

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

Sound possesses power, whether you’ll be weary from dancing or blissed out from the frequencies massaging your nerves.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2026

A production that possesses a sense of intimacy, despite taking place in one of Manhattan’s larger venues.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

"He possesses a unique blend of physical attributes reminiscent of both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. In six years, he will win the Ballon d'Or."

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

“What possesses him!” were some of the replies she gathered, uttered simultaneously in French and English.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin