Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Have” — 3 Other Ways to Say It
To experience or live through something that happens to you.
Meanings of Have — Pick the Sense You Need
Have has 3 common meanings. The synonyms below are grouped by meaning so you can jump straight to the sense you need.
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Meaning #1
as a verb
To experience or live through something that happens to you.
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Meaning #2
as a verb
A helping verb you use with another verb to show something started in the past and is still true or relevant now.
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Meaning #3
as a verb
To own or possess something. To be the owner of something.
How to Pronounce Have
IPA: /hæv/ Stress: O
The 'h' is always pronounced. In fast speech, /həv/ not /hæv/. Before certain words, sounds like 'uv'.
3 Synonyms for Have (Meaning #1 — as a verb)
These synonyms work when you use have as a verb. Meaning: To experience or live through something that happens to you.
possess
/pəˈzɛs/To own something or have it with you. Having something that belongs to you.
Example: They possess valuable art in their museum.
own
/oʊn/To have something that belongs to you.
Example: I own a house in the city.
hold
/həʊld/To keep something in your hands or arms, like holding a baby or holding a pencil.
Example: Please hold my hand while we cross the street.
3 Synonyms for Have (Meaning #2 — as a verb)
These synonyms work when you use have as a verb. Meaning: A helping verb you use with another verb to show something started in the past and is still true or relevant now.
possess
/pəˈzɛs/To own something or have it with you. Having something that belongs to you.
Example: They possess valuable art in their museum.
own
/oʊn/To have something that belongs to you.
Example: I own a house in the city.
hold
/həʊld/To keep something in your hands or arms, like holding a baby or holding a pencil.
Example: Please hold my hand while we cross the street.
3 Synonyms for Have (Meaning #3 — as a verb)
These synonyms work when you use have as a verb. Meaning: To own or possess something. To be the owner of something.
possess
/pəˈzɛs/To own something or have it with you. Having something that belongs to you.
Example: They possess valuable art in their museum.
own
/oʊn/To have something that belongs to you.
Example: I own a house in the city.
hold
/həʊld/To keep something in your hands or arms, like holding a baby or holding a pencil.
Example: Please hold my hand while we cross the street.
Smart Synonyms for Have — When to Use Each
experience
for positive or neutral situations you live through
undergo
for processes or treatments that happen to someone
endure
for difficult or unpleasant situations lasting a long
How to Use Have and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- I have a wonderful time at the concert with my friends. A2
- She have a headache today and can't work. A1
- We have a terrible experience with that company before. B1
- I have lived in this house for five years. A2
- They have worked there since last month. B1
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Have
What is another word for "have"?
Common synonyms for "have" include: possess, own, hold.
What can I say instead of "have"?
Try one of these alternatives: possess, own, hold. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "have" formal or informal?
"have" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "have" instead of "possess"?
Use "have" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "possess" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.