possible

adjective

pos·​si·​ble ˈpä-sə-bəl 

1

a

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

a possible but difficult task

I like to visit whenever possible.

Come as quickly/soon as (humanly) possible.

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 of possible

• 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

Because the shooting occurred while police were present, the department asked the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to assist in the investigation of this incident to avoid any possible conflict of interest. —Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2026

The high wind watch will kick in Monday afternoon through the night as well, warning of south winds up to 30 mph and gusts up to 60 mph possible through the period. —Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2026

In the mix is a possible rematch of last year's national final against Florida, which would essentially be a road team with a better seed. —Arkansas Online, 16 Mar. 2026

The bottom 16 unseeded teams were placed into the bracket by the NIT Committee as close to their area of natural interest as possible. —Oc Register, 16 Mar. 2026

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