possessive

adjective

pə-ˈze-siv How to pronounce possessive (audio)
Definition of possessivenext
as in jealous
intolerant of rivalry or unfaithfulness he was very possessive of his girlfriend's attention, and it was really starting to annoy her

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of possessive Overall, the series toned down Garrett’s possessive, over-protective tendencies while keeping true to his Big Man on Campus/hockey dynasty character. — Jennifer McClellan, USA Today, 17 May 2026 Instead, Nikki’s love spirals into something violent, possessive and terrifying. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026 Friends and family members also told investigators that Shirilla and Russo’s relationship had become strained in the months before the crash, marked by arguments and breakups, with some describing Shirilla as possessive in the relationship. — Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026 But needy, possessive Nikki goes on to smother Bear and what plays out is a horrifying tale of obsessive love gone wrong — sour, curdled and violent. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for possessive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possessive
jealous
Adjective
  • Hate him, despise him, be jealous of his wealth, but support his efforts to destroy Iran and hopefully end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Nice people may of course become irritated, disappointed, jealous, or defensive, since niceness does not require sainthood.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of jealous

Browse Nearby Words

possessions
possessive
possessiveness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Possessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possessive. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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