possibility

noun

ˌpä-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce possibility (audio)
Definition of possibilitynext
1
as in potential
something that can develop or become actual there's a possibility for violence in the situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in event
something that might happen winning the championship is a real possibility for us

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 possibility Both Netanyahu and Eisenkot’s blocs have ruled out the possibility of forming a government with the two main Arab parties. — Josephine Murphy, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2026 Already, Attorney General Todd Blanche has requested an investigation into that possibility. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026 The selfie possibilities in arguably the 305’s hottest destination? — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026 One possibility is a unity government bringing together Netanyahu and Eisenkot. — Itay Stern, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for possibility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possibility
  1. potential
  2. event
  3. prospect
  4. case
  5. potentiality
  6. contingency
Noun
  • Its long-term commercial potential will depend on whether the technology performs as expected.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • What’s also clear is the military sees the potential of nuclear as the most reliable and steady power source for the future.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of potential
Noun
  • That count includes troops who died in medical events and other situations that do not have a direct connection to the conflict, with 18 service members having been killed from Iranian strikes, combat aircraft crashes or disposal of Iranian drones.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
  • In 1998, during an intense El Niño event, NPR's member station, WUSF, reported that Central Florida experienced one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks, killing 42 people.
    — Ava Berger, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of event
Noun
  • Yinka’s view There is no shortage of pessimism about Africa’s prospects in the AI race.
    — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The prospect of losing that status can make the thought of escape unpalatable even for people who detest the regime.
    — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of prospect
Noun
  • Bolsonaro is under investigation by Brazil's Supreme Court on accusations of corruption, money laundering and tax evasion in two cases.
    — MATTHEW LEE, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Previously, cases have been detected in some African countries, Japan and—for the first time this summer—Europe.
    — Sahas Mehra, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of case
Noun
  • Time, not thriftily spent but flagrantly wasted at cards or the wheel, is brought to a standstill right at the moment of its greatest potentiality—this would have to be the ultimate payoff.
    — Artforum, Artforum, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Work commenced on the record three months after Drewchin welcomed the arrival of her first child, Nova, a period in which she was consumed with the reality and potentialities of being a new parent.
    — Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
Definition of potentiality
Noun
  • Election officials around the country run similar tabletop exercises before each voting cycle, to plan for contingencies ranging from extreme weather and power failures to bomb threats and foreign interference.
    — Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Navigating this contingency presents a deeply challenging decision for Ermotti.
    — , CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of contingency

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possibilities
possibility
possible
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Cite this Entry

“Possibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possibility. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about possibility

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