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 Trump's aides are discussing the possibility of closing loopholes in existing trade measures, including the use of export licensing and preventing the ability of Chinese firms to use advanced chips over the internet through remote access. — ABC News, 13 Nov. 2026 That possibility warrants examination before the policy takes effect. — Matt Finkelstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2026 For Rips, the country’s main assets for foreign shoots and co-producers are the possibility of combining the national rebate with the Riga Film Fund’s own incentive, pushing support to up to 50% of eligible local costs. — Annika Pham, Variety, 13 Nov. 2026 Like most Bills fans, I was born into this serfdom with no possibility of escape. — Literary Hub, 13 Nov. 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
  • The painstaking restoration of the building, originally constructed in 1912 as a diesel station, has also made a powerful statement about the potential of adaptive reuse.
    — Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2026
  • However, the Ellsworths aren't the only ones to notice the potential in hydration.
    — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of potential
Noun
  • The house has since served as a family home, a Red Cross property, and Magnolia Mansion, a boutique hotel and event venue, before ERG Enterprises acquired it in 2023.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Choose Your Words Carefully When Offering Support There’s nothing normal about grieving or dealing with difficult life events.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of event
Noun
  • But for many families like the Kritzbergers, the prospect of a government cap offered protection from future price hikes and some relief from the anxiety of a serious disease.
    — Noam Levey, NPR, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Hillman first brought the Napoli investment to Hart’s attention at the end of the summer, and the NBA star was excited at the prospect of getting involved with an Italian sports club even before getting too deep into the due diligence.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of prospect
Noun
  • It's now recognized as one of the first online predator cases in the country leading to child abduction.
    — Lauren Linder, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Democracy Defenders Fund is representing the Kennedy family in its case against the arch.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 11 Nov. 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
  • More investment will be earmarked for contingencies, reflecting in part the view that reaching a diplomatic resolution to the Iran war is unlikely anytime soon.
    — Amena Bakr, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • This embryonic naval force could be developed further to cover more ambitious contingencies in the Black Sea, from sea surveillance to the protection of territorial integrity, as the Finnish-Swedish naval task force does in the Baltic Sea.
    — Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 30 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 14 Nov. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about possibility

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