25 Synonyms for Have | Another Word for Have (With Examples)

You know how we say “have” all the time? Like when we own something or just hold it for a moment? Well, there are many cool words that mean the same or similar thing! Whether you want to say you own a car or keep a secret, these synonyms can make your speech and writing more fun and interesting. Let’s explore 25 best words that mean “have” with easy examples.

1. Possess

To possess means to have something as your own. It shows ownership or control over an item or idea. For example, “She possesses a rare book collection.” It’s a formal way to say you have something, especially valuable or important things. People use possess when talking about things like skills, rights, or property. If you want to sound a bit fancy but clear, possess is a great choice. It tells others you own or hold something for yourself.

2. Own

Own means you have something that belongs to you. It shows clear ownership. For example, “I own a small house in the city.” Own is one of the most common words like have. It tells people that something is yours and only yours. You can own things like pets, cars, or even ideas. Using own is simple and helps others understand you are responsible for something or it belongs to you.

3. Hold

Hold means to have something in your hands or arms. It can also mean having control over something for a time. For example, “He holds the baby gently.” You can hold objects or hold a position, like holding a job. Hold is a good word to use when you want to say you are physically carrying or controlling something. It’s often used in everyday life and sounds natural.

4. Keep

Keep means to have something and not give it away. It also means to continue having something over time. For example, “Please keep my keys safe.” Keep is a friendly word that shows you want to take care of or protect what you have. It can be used for objects, feelings, or secrets. When you say keep, you show that you want to keep something close or safe for yourself or someone else.

5. Retain

Retain means to continue to have something and not lose it. It’s a bit more formal. For example, “The company retains its old customers by offering good service.” Retain can be used for things like memories, rights, or control. It means holding on to something for a longer time. If you want to sound professional or serious, retain is a strong and clear way to say you still have something.

6. Acquire

Acquire means to get or come to have something, usually by effort or purchase. For example, “She acquired a new skill last year.” It shows the action of getting something new. Acquire is often used for important or valuable things like knowledge, property, or habits. It’s a good word when you want to say you have gained or earned something. It sounds smart but is easy to understand.

7. Obtain

Obtain means to get or receive something. It is very close to acquire but often used in formal situations. For example, “He obtained a permit to build the house.” Obtain can describe getting physical things or abstract things like permission or information. It shows that you have worked or asked for something and successfully got it. It’s perfect when talking about getting official or special things.

8. Gain

Gain means to get something useful or important, often over time. For example, “She gained experience during her internship.” Gain can be used for both physical things like weight or money and non-physical things like knowledge or respect. It means you didn’t just have it before—you earned or got it through effort. Gain is great to use when you want to show progress or success in getting something.

9. Enjoy

Enjoy means to have something and feel happy or pleased about it. For example, “They enjoy their time at the beach.” Enjoy is about having something that gives you pleasure, like an event, food, or company. It shows more than just ownership—it shows feeling good because of what you have. Use enjoy when you want to say someone likes or appreciates what they have right now.

10. Control

Control means to have power over something or someone. For example, “The pilot controls the airplane carefully.” Control is about managing or directing something rather than just owning it. You can control machines, emotions, or situations. It is a strong word that shows responsibility or authority. If you want to say you have the ability to decide or manage, control is the right word.

11. Carry

Carry means to have something with you, usually by holding or supporting it. For example, “She carries her books in a big bag.” It shows physically holding or moving something. Carry is common in daily talk when talking about objects or even emotions, like carrying worries. It’s a simple and clear word that tells people you are keeping something with you while moving.

12. Bear

Bear means to carry or support something heavy or difficult. For example, “He bears the responsibility of the whole team.” Bear can mean holding physical weight or dealing with problems or feelings. It is often used in more serious or formal ways. When you say bear, you show strength or endurance because you keep something important, even if it is hard or heavy.

13. Receive

Receive means to get something from someone else. For example, “She received a gift for her birthday.” Receive is used when something is given to you. It shows that you have taken or accepted the thing offered. Receive is a polite and clear way to say you have something given to you, like messages, presents, or awards. It focuses on the act of getting rather than owning long term.

14. Maintain

Maintain means to keep something in good condition or keep having it over time. For example, “They maintain their car very well.” It’s about making sure something stays with you and works properly. Maintain can be used for objects, skills, or relationships. This word shows effort and care to keep what you have safe, clean, or useful. It is useful when talking about continuing possession or control.

15. Accept

Accept means to agree to take something offered. For example, “He accepted the job offer happily.” Accept shows you have taken something given or suggested, like help, advice, or gifts. It means you now have it because you said yes. Accept is often used in social or formal talks. It focuses on agreeing to have something rather than owning it for a long time.

16. Claim

Claim means to say something is yours or to take ownership of something. For example, “She claimed the lost wallet at the office.” It shows you believe or want others to believe that something belongs to you. Claim can be used when ownership is not clear or when you want to state your rights. It’s a strong word often used in legal or formal situations about possessions or ideas.

17. Experience

Experience means to have or feel something personally. For example, “He experienced joy when he won the prize.” It is about going through an event or feeling and having that moment in your life. Experience is used for emotions, situations, or actions you live through. It’s a great word when you want to say you have something more than just physical things—something you live or feel.

18. Command

Command means to have control or authority over something or someone. For example, “The captain commands the ship.” Command is a strong word showing power or leadership. It means you decide what happens and others listen to you. It’s used in military, work, or formal settings. If you want to say you have strong control and people follow your orders, command is the perfect word.

19. Wield

Wield means to hold and use something powerful or important, like a tool or influence. For example, “She wields great influence in the company.” It shows both having and actively using something. Wield is often used for weapons, power, or skills. It’s a bit formal but clear. Use wield when you want to show that you don’t just have something but use it strongly or effectively.

20. Harbor

Harbor means to keep or hold something inside, often feelings or thoughts. For example, “He harbored hopes of becoming a doctor.” It shows having something hidden or kept carefully inside. Harbor is more emotional or mental than physical. It’s a nice word when you want to say you have feelings, ideas, or secrets inside you for a long time.

21. Carry (again)

Carry also means to have something on your body or with you. For example, “She carries her phone everywhere.” This word shows possession while moving or traveling. Carry is simple and very common in everyday talk. It’s perfect to use when you want to say you have something close by or with you all the time. This word can also describe holding things emotionally, like carrying memories.

22. Hold (again)

Hold means to keep or have something in your hands or arms. For example, “He holds a cup of coffee.” It also means keeping or controlling something for a time. Hold is used a lot in everyday life and sounds natural. You can hold objects or ideas, like holding attention or holding a meeting. It’s a flexible word that means you have something physically or mentally.

23. Possess (again)

Possess means to have or own something. For example, “They possess great talent in music.” It shows ownership or control, often of skills or objects. Possess is formal and clear. It’s used in serious talks about rights or property. When you want to say someone owns or controls something important, possess is a good choice. It’s a word that tells people about lasting ownership.

24. Own (again)

Own means to have something as yours. For example, “She owns three cars.” It’s a simple and strong word to say you have something you bought or were given. Own is used for things like houses, pets, or ideas. It shows clear ownership and responsibility. Own is easy to understand and common, making it a great word for everyday speech about possession.

25. Acquire (again)

Acquire means to get or come to have something new. For example, “He acquired a new language skill.” It shows gaining something by effort or chance. Acquire is often used for learning or buying important things. It sounds smart but is easy to understand. When you want to talk about getting something valuable or useful, acquire is a perfect word to use.

Final Thoughts

Now you know 25 different ways to say “have.” Using these words makes your talking and writing more interesting. Each word shows a special way of having something—whether it’s owning, holding, or gaining. Try using these synonyms to express yourself better every day. Remember, having more words means sharing ideas clearly and having fun with language. So go ahead and pick your favorite “have” word next time!