possessive

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.

With her husband so frequently absent, child-rearing fell almost entirely to Frances, who proved a loving but possessive mother.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

Atencio’s fiendish feline would have followed guests throughout the ride, a creature said to despise living humans and with predatory, possessive instincts.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2025

Ms Pilley, 38, had recently ended her year-long secret relationship with Gilroy, who was described in court as possessive and manipulative.

From BBC • Aug. 6, 2025

As it moved through TikTok and Instagram, the term focused solely on the plural possessive, as people jokingly addressed their intangible audiences.

From Slate • Nov. 3, 2024

But the moment the girls become possessive, the moment each one imagines that Krishna is her partner alone, he vanishes.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel