Definition of possiblenext

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 Sunlight Place the plant in a sunny window, south-facing if possible, and give it four to six hours of sunlight each day. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2026 Carley Garner, a commodity market strategist and broker at DeCarley Trading, said smaller futures and oil ETFs such as the United States Oil Fund (ticker USO) have made speculation possible for traders at almost any level of experience or funding. Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 The Reichsmarshall speaks of the pleasures of revenge; his principal reason to visit Paris is to steal or buy, often from Jews, as much classic and modern French art as possible, store it in the Jeu de Paume, and spirit it away to Germany. David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 The question is what becomes possible now that was not possible before. Jeff Degraff, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for possible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possible
Adjective
  • Porto’s Victor Froholdt was also greatly admired, but a deal was not feasible.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The few still images Polyphony Digital has provided don’t provide us with an angle to see if the Mini layout is still feasible with the new track model.
    Adam Ismail, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • In addition to the potential hurricane-force wind gusts, tornadoes are possible near the two islands, and heavy rains are expected throughout the main islands, the hurricane center's specialists warned.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2026
  • None of us are immune to the potential downside of new technologies.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Halting settlement expansion would be an important and achievable step, but that alone will not solve the crisis.
    Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The Fermi Explorer project is ambitious but achievable, according to Johnston and his colleagues.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Suddenly American basketball seems both desirable and attainable.
    Eden Laase, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Building around independence The WholeLife concept starts with attainable-luxury residential living rather than the care model.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Higher benchmark yields can lift financing costs even for healthy companies, potentially making some factories, data centers, acquisitions and other investments less economically viable.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Unable to find viable childcare, some have resorted to bringing their children with them to work or class.
    Moriah Balingit, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Possible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possible. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster