possible
adjective
pos·si·ble
ˈpä-sə-bəl 
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
Synonyms
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, 25 Apr. 2024
The possible exposure stems from one case of measles from an out of state tourist who traveled through the Los Angeles area from March 30 to April 1.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 13 Apr. 2024
Still, neither of those possible drawbacks should stand in his way—if the board is convinced that Gitlin is the right person.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2024
The land is in the hands of five families who have come together to agree to preserve as much of it as possible.
—Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2024
LaMelo Ball logged action in only 58 of a possible 164 games.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2024
The main threats with any storm Tuesday are forecast to be quite similar to Monday’s: damaging wind gusts, hail and possible tornadoes.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN, 13 Apr. 2024
New rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 12 Apr. 2024
Several tornadoes, some strong or intense, will be possible.
—Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 2 Apr. 2024
Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 25 Apr. 2024
The possible exposure stems from one case of measles from an out of state tourist who traveled through the Los Angeles area from March 30 to April 1.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 13 Apr. 2024
Still, neither of those possible drawbacks should stand in his way—if the board is convinced that Gitlin is the right person.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2024
The land is in the hands of five families who have come together to agree to preserve as much of it as possible.
—Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2024
LaMelo Ball logged action in only 58 of a possible 164 games.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2024
The main threats with any storm Tuesday are forecast to be quite similar to Monday’s: damaging wind gusts, hail and possible tornadoes.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN, 13 Apr. 2024
New rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 12 Apr. 2024
Several tornadoes, some strong or intense, will be possible.
—Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 2 Apr. 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
Phrases Containing possible
Dictionary Entries Near possible
Cite this Entry
“Possible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/possible. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
possible
adjective
pos·si·ble
ˈpäs-ə-bəl
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
Nglish: Translation of possible for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of possible for Arabic Speakers
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