possible

pos·si·ble

adjective \ˈpä-sə-bəl\

Definition of POSSIBLE

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>

Examples of POSSIBLE

1. Advances in medicine have made it possible for people to live longer.
2. It is possible that she decided not to join us.
3. We tried to spend as little money as possible.
4. It is not physically possible to do everything you have planned in one day.
5. The weather report warned of possible thunderstorms tonight.
6. Thunderstorms are possible but not probable tonight.
7. The highest possible score is 100.
8. What possible good can it do to argue?
9. He is in the worst possible situation.
10. It is possible that life exists on other planets.

Origin of POSSIBLE

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

Related to POSSIBLE

Synonyms

achievable, attainable, doable, feasible, practicable, realizable, viable, workable

Antonyms

hopeless, impossible, impracticable, infeasible, nonviable, unattainable, undoable, unfeasible, unrealizable, unviable, unworkable

Related Words

practical, reasonable, sensible; contingent, likely, probable; acceptable, believable, conceivable, creditable, plausible, thinkable; actionable, available, usable (also useable)

Near Antonyms

impractical, unrealistic; doubtful, dubious, far-fetched, improbable, unlikely; implausible, inconceivable, incredible, unbelievable; futile, useless, vain; absurd, fantastic (also fantastical), outlandish, preposterous, ridiculous; unthinkable

Synonym Discussion of 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>.