possible

adjective

pos·​si·​ble ˈpä-sə-bəl 

1

a

: being within the limits of ability, capacity, or realization

a possible but difficult task

b

: being what may be conceived, be done, or occur according to nature, custom, or manners

the best possible care

the worst possible circumstance

2

a

: being something that may or may not occur

a possible surprise visit

b

: being something that may or may not be true or actual

possible explanation

3

: having an indicated potential

a possible housing site

Synonyms

• feasible
• achievable
• attainable
• viable

Choose the Right Synonym for possible

possible, practicable, feasible mean capable of being realized.

possible implies that a thing may certainly exist or occur given the proper conditions.

a possible route up the west face of the mountain

practicable implies that something may be effected by available means or under current conditions.

a solution that is not practicable in the time available

feasible applies to what is likely to work or be useful in attaining the end desired.

commercially feasible for mass production

Examples of possible in a Sentence

Advances in medicine have made it possible for people to live longer.

It is possible that she decided not to join us.

We tried to spend as little money as possible.

It is not physically possible to do everything you have planned in one day.

The weather report warned of possible thunderstorms tonight.

Thunderstorms are possible but not probable tonight.

The highest possible score is 100.

What possible good can it do to argue?

He is in the worst possible situation.

It is possible that life exists on other planets.

Recent Examples on the Web

Sure, other fates are possible, like direct collapse to a black hole or explosions through the pair-instability mechanism, but a core-collapse supernova (also known as a type II supernova) represents the fate of the majority of the most massive stars ever to be born. —Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 12 Sep. 2025

This $40 fisherman sweater, which comes in 12 colors and is made from 100 percent cotton, can make that possible. —Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025

Suspect Vance Boelter had a list of possible targets and went to the homes of public officials to conduct violent attacks, FBI Director Kash Patel said. —Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2025

Dry weather is expected to persist, with a slim chance of rain possible on Wednesday and Thursday. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin possibilis, from posse to be able, from potis, pote able + esse to be — more at potent, is

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing possible

• as soon/quickly as (humanly) possible
• humanly possible
• if (at all) possible
• outside the realm of the possible
• the best of all (possible) worlds
• whenever possible
• within the realm of the possible

Rhymes for possible

• impossible

Kids Definition

possible

adjective

pos·​si·​ble ˈpäs-ə-bəl 

1

: being something that can be done or brought about

a task possible only to skilled workers

2

: being something that may or may not occur

plan against possible dangers

3

: able or fitted to be or to become

a possible site for a camp