POSSESSIVE Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

possessive

adjective

pə-ˈze-siv

Definition of possessive

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

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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 Instead, Nikki’s love spirals into something violent, possessive and terrifying. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026 Over the course of Obsession's 108-minute runtime, Nikki transforms into an self-destructive, possessive, and dangerously violent shadow of her former self as Bear's spell forces her to fixate solely on her unnatural devotion to him—no matter the cost. — Megan McCluskey, Time, 15 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

Fonseca was out with his girlfriend, and Martinez Aranda, jealous of the relationship, confronted the victim and fatally shot him, according to the DA’s office.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026
To celebrate their new and improved situation (and make some landlocked folks jealous), the pair recently teamed up for a hilarious joint Instagram video.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of jealous

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possessions

possessive

possessiveness

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“Possessive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possessive. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of possessive

adjective

Example Sentences

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A Guide to Double Possessives

We're Down With You Being—or Your...

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

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