Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective possible differ from other similar words?

The words feasible and practicable are common synonyms of possible. While all three words 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

Where would feasible be a reasonable alternative to possible?

Although the words feasible and possible have much in common, feasible applies to what is likely to work or be useful in attaining the end desired.

commercially feasible for mass production

In what contexts can practicable take the place of possible?

In some situations, the words practicable and possible are roughly equivalent. However, practicable implies that something may be effected by available means or under current conditions.

a solution that is not practicable in the time available

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of possible Monday's meeting in the White House with President Volodymyr Zelensky along with some of our most powerful European leaders was far more promising, but time will tell if peace between Russia and Ukraine is possible in the near future. Irwin Redlener, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025 Some of the stranger and more alarming AI behaviors, such as blackmailing or deceiving users, have been extensively studied by these companies as a first step toward mitigating possible harms. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2025 Our main goal is to keep making this algorithm as accurate and as good of an experience as possible. Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Their identifications were made possible by advanced DNA analysis of remains recovered from the attack, along with family outreach, said the OCME. David Chiu, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for possible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possible
Adjective
  • Theoretically, a landing in 2028 remains feasible, but a more rational over/under date for NASA is probably somewhere in the vicinity of 2030.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Advances in battery chemistry and efficiency now make long road trips feasible in electric cars.
    Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This flagrant exclusion of such a win-win prospect largely stems from the aversion many environmental activists have of any potential solution that might lead to complacence on aggregate consumption.
    Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
  • The region of potential development includes an area between the Windwards and the Dominican Republic.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Therefore, since no other viable options seem to exist, the person chooses to remain silent.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Canada is the second-largest country in the world and flying is often the only viable option.
    Rob Gillies, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Possible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possible. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

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