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 Overcome Didier Deschamps’ side on July 9 – a tall order at the moment given how good Les Bleus look – and heads will be spinning at the possibilities that could await. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of release on hate crime charges. — Mike Snider, USA Today, 4 July 2026 For a young Greek immigrant, America must have looked like opportunity itself — railroads, factories, work, mobility, and the possibility of building a different life. — Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 Minnesota launched a study this week to examine the possibility of finally lifting its moratorium on new nuclear reactors. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 4 July 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
  • There’s also sizable future income potential, since crew members can advance through the ranks.
    — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Open to individuals and teams aged 18 and older, applicants must submit 2-5 demo tracks by August 12 KST, showcasing originality and global pop potential.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of potential
Noun
  • The stadium has been packed, the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival downtown has seen record attendance, and watch parties and other events have spread across the region.
    — Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
  • The traffic control worker minimum wage, which only affects workers handling traffic at major happenings like concerts and sporting events, is more than $70 an hour.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
Definition of event
Noun
  • The rules were altered in 2004 at the urging of Algeria, which was struggling to field a competitive national team with wholly domestic players and saw dozens of better prospects from the diaspora living in France.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026
  • Argentina are perhaps the team who raised the loudest questions about their prospects while still actually progressing.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of prospect
Noun
  • Mark Levine, the city's comptroller, said that this current cluster of cases is from a contaminated cooling tower, and not a water system.
    — Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Waiting to hear from the Vatican Kunst said he was tapped by Bishop Daniel Felton — who presented Buh’s case at the conference — to gather information regarding a possible cause for sainthood.
    — Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026
Definition of case
Noun
  • But that potentiality feels nascent in Slater’s current rendering of the part rather than fully acknowledged and explored.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Quantum Thinking As Catalyst For Innovation Quantum theory describes a reality shaped by uncertainty, potentiality and interconnection.
    — Carrie Anne Yu, Forbes.com, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of potentiality
Noun
  • The budget also identifies $245,250 for project contingencies.
    — Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
  • The jets are also equipped with air-to-air refueling capabilities for contingencies, though it has never been utilized with a president on board.
    — Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 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 11 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on possibility

Nglish: Translation of possibility for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about possibility

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