Possible — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈpä-sə-bəl/ pos·si·ble

Meaning & Definition of Possible

Possible (adjective)

  1. being within the limits of ability, capacity, or realization
  2. being what may be conceived, be done, or occur according to nature, custom, or manners
  3. being something that may or may not occur

Possible (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. capable of being done or carried out

    "I think that building the entire set in two days is possible, albeit difficult"

    similar: achievable, attainable, doable, feasible, practicable, realizable, viable, workable
    related: practical, reasonable, sensible, contingent, likely, probable, acceptable, believable, conceivable, creditable, plausible, thinkable, actionable, available, usable
    opposite: hopeless, impossible, impracticable, infeasible, nonviable, unattainable, undoable, unfeasible, unrealizable, unviable, unworkable
    near: impractical, unrealistic, doubtful, dubious, far-fetched, improbable, unlikely, implausible, inconceivable, incredible, unbelievable, futile, useless, vain, absurd, fantastic, outlandish, preposterous, ridiculous, unthinkable

  2. existing only as a possibility and not in fact

    "only one of several possible outcomes"

    similar: implicit, potential
    related: conceivable, generable, imaginable, plausible, thinkable, likely, probable, conjectural, hypothetical, suppositional, theoretical, alleged, assumed, purported, reputed, supposed, achievable, attainable, doable, feasible, practicable, viable, workable
    opposite: actual, existent, factual, real
    near: authenticated, confirmed, demonstrated, established, proven, substantiated, authentic, bona fide, genuine, true

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Possible

The most common words with a similar meaning to Possible:

achievable, attainable, doable, feasible, practicable, realizable, viable, workable, implicit, potential

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Possible

Words with the opposite meaning of Possible:

hopeless, impossible, impracticable, infeasible, nonviable, unattainable, undoable, unfeasible, unrealizable, unviable, unworkable, actual, existent, factual, real

Related Words for Possible

practical, reasonable, sensible, contingent, likely, probable, acceptable, believable, conceivable, creditable, plausible, thinkable, actionable, available, usable, generable, imaginable, conjectural, hypothetical, suppositional, theoretical, alleged, assumed, purported, reputed, supposed

Near Antonyms of Possible

impractical, unrealistic, doubtful, dubious, far-fetched, improbable, unlikely, implausible, inconceivable, incredible, unbelievable, futile, useless, vain, absurd, fantastic, outlandish, preposterous, ridiculous, unthinkable, authenticated, confirmed, demonstrated, established, proven, substantiated, authentic, bona fide, genuine, true

Origin & Etymology of Possible

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

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Possible

Words & Phrases Containing Possible

as soon/quickly as (humanly) possible, humanly possible, if (at all) possible, outside the realm of the possible, whenever possible, within the realm of the possible, the best of all (possible) worlds

Frequently Asked Questions about Possible

What does "Possible" mean?

"Possible" means being within the limits of ability, capacity, or realization. As an adjective, it is defined as: being within the limits of ability, capacity, or realization. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Possible"?

Other words for "Possible" include achievable, attainable, doable, feasible, practicable, realizable, viable and workable. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Possible" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Possible"?

There are 36 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Possible". Common alternatives include achievable, attainable, doable, feasible, practicable, realizable, viable, workable, implicit and potential.

What is the opposite of "Possible"?

Antonyms of "Possible" include hopeless, impossible, impracticable, infeasible, nonviable, unattainable, undoable and unfeasible. Near antonyms include impractical, unrealistic, doubtful and dubious.

How do you use "Possible" in a sentence?

Examples of "Possible" in a sentence: "I think that building the entire set in two days is possible, albeit difficult"; "only one of several possible outcomes".

Is "Possible" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Possible" is an adjective.

Is "Possible" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Possible" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Possible"?

"Possible" is pronounced /ˈpä-sə-bəl/ and divided into syllables as pos·si·ble.