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 Kuwait is holding discussions with Saudi Arabia and other countries about a possible pipeline to bypass the Strait, Kuwaiti Oil Minister Tariq Sulaiman Al-Roumi said earlier this month. Max Zahn, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026 Authorities have not yet released the suspect's identity or possible motive for the shooting. Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 Fash signed a copy of her book and agreed to be in touch about the possible reading. Jake Offenhartz, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 But landing an internship with The American Pavilion during Cannes made being a filmmaker seem possible. Marlow Stern, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for possible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possible
Adjective
  • The suit maintains that the commission’s denial does not identify any adverse impact to a wetland function or value, nor any feasible and prudent alternatives to address the Commission’s reasons for denial, in violation of state law, Conn.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Getting real, not simulated, data on the vest’s performance would mean sending it onboard an Orion spacecraft all the way to deep space and waiting for a solar storm to happen, which is hardly feasible.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The district has released a set of maps, outlining the potential changes.
    James Taylor, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The term refers to when tobacco companies in the 1990s were forced to pay billions of dollars for misleading the public about the safety and potential harms of their products, and subsequently saw their power and influence dramatically diminished.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The method begins by breaking down the target into an achievable $66 daily goal, using AI to identify three viable income streams.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Every fight is like a puzzle with a solution that’s achievable with the right power-ups and preparation.
    Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Everybody else may be released on attainable bail or on their own recognizance with conditions attached.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Having Navarro, who scored at least 10 goals in each of her freshman and sophomore seasons, makes those objectives more attainable, Plawecki said.
    Noah Poser, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In the case of those to Europe, with which China has a vast trade surplus, there’s also the question of how viable the route is both ways.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The question, however, revolves around how viable and profitable they are compared to readily available alternatives.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Possible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possible. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on possible

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