possible

adjective

pos·​si·​ble ˈpä-sə-bəl How to pronounce possible (audio)
1
a
: being within the limits of ability, capacity, or realization
a possible but difficult task
b
: being what may be conceived, be done, or occur according to nature, custom, or manners
the best possible care
the worst possible circumstance
2
a
: being something that may or may not occur
a possible surprise visit
b
: being something that may or may not be true or actual
possible explanation
3
: having an indicated potential
a possible housing site
Choose the Right Synonym for possible

possible, practicable, feasible 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

practicable implies that something may be effected by available means or under current conditions.

a solution that is not practicable in the time available

feasible applies to what is likely to work or be useful in attaining the end desired.

commercially feasible for mass production

Examples of possible in a Sentence

Advances in medicine have made it possible for people to live longer. It is possible that she decided not to join us. We tried to spend as little money as possible. It is not physically possible to do everything you have planned in one day. The weather report warned of possible thunderstorms tonight. Thunderstorms are possible but not probable tonight. The highest possible score is 100. What possible good can it do to argue? He is in the worst possible situation. It is possible that life exists on other planets.
Recent Examples on the Web Send us your question or dilemma and try to provide as much context as possible. Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024 All of these things wouldn’t have been possible without you guys, Bunnies. Meghan Mahar, Billboard, 8 Mar. 2024 Hail, damaging wind gusts, torrential rain and tornadoes are all possible, especially during the afternoon and evening. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch are possible. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2024 Transplant as soon as possible, having dug a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the rootball before it was detached from the earth. Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 8 Mar. 2024 Performance of this hyper car–level can be credited to Wilson’s insistence on using only the best parts and materials possible, pioneering the use of Alnico drivers and adjustable baffles to deliver yet-unheard clarity and detail. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2024 When asked whether the referee would be available to discuss the puzzling decision making, as is possible in the MLS, if not FIFA, Gutierrez was told no process is in place. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2024 Set up to frustrate the Gunners by all means possible, the Magpies returned to the North East with a 0-0 draw. Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'possible.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin possibilis, from posse to be able, from potis, pote able + esse to be — more at potent, is

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of possible was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near possible

Cite this Entry

“Possible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/possible. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

possible

adjective
pos·​si·​ble ˈpäs-ə-bəl How to pronounce possible (audio)
1
: being something that can be done or brought about
a task possible only to skilled workers
2
: being something that may or may not occur
plan against possible dangers
3
: able or fitted to be or to become
a possible site for a camp

More from Merriam-Webster on possible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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