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.

“I had written a book on writing once …” How did professional jealousy, competitiveness, possessiveness, or, on the brighter side, tenderness, collaborative spirit and generosity play out as you wrote a writing book together?

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

Quickly, Karsh’s love turns to possessiveness, and everyone around him becomes a suspect.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2025

“I don’t know if it’s the topic, but there hasn’t been a possessiveness about subject matter that I’ve found in other subjects, and I do think that’s pretty incredible.”

From Washington Post • Jan. 5, 2023

In contrast to the spirit of cooperation required for a successful recovery effort, Collar wrote in 1992, “ownership is a matter of jealousy, prestige and possessiveness that is fundamentally different in psychological origin.”

From Science Magazine • Jun. 8, 2022

As they walked on, his hand remained on her elbow with a new possessiveness.

From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare