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

Many of those fertilizer prices have exploded 40% or more in just a couple weeks, and at the worst time possible — right when farmers are about to buy before the growing season. —E.j. Antoni, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2026

For now, the city’s strategy is to build better gray, blue, and green infrastructure in every borough, and to do as much as possible to hold and absorb rain. —Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026

Though conflict is possible, it can be handled without too much strain by taking things slow. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2026

Before Sunday’s game, Lakers coach JJ Redick shared that Reaves and Doncic are doing everything in their ability to return as quickly as possible. —Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 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