possible
Americanadjective
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that may or can be, exist, happen, be done, be used, etc..
a disease with no possible cure.
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that may be true or may be the case, as something concerning which one has no knowledge to the contrary.
It is possible that he has already gone.
adjective
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capable of existing, taking place, or proving true without contravention of any natural law
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capable of being achieved
it is not possible to finish in three weeks
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having potential or capabilities for favourable use or development
the idea is a possible money-spinner
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that may or may not happen or have happened; feasible but less than probable
it is possible that man will live on Mars
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logic (of a statement, formula, etc) capable of being true under some interpretation, or in some circumstances. Usual symbol: Mp or ◇ p , where p is the given expression
noun
Usage
Although it is very common to talk about something being very possible or more possible, these uses are generally thought to be incorrect, since possible describes an absolute state, and therefore something can only be possible or not possible: it is very likely (not very possible ) that he will resign; it has now become easier (not more possible ) to obtain an entry visa
Synonym Usage
Possible, feasible, practicable refer to that which may come about or take place without prevention by serious obstacles. That which is possible is naturally able or even likely to happen, other circumstances being equal: Discovery of a new source of plutonium may be possible. Feasible refers to the ease with which something can be done and implies a high degree of desirability for doing it: This plan is the most feasible. Practicable applies to that which can be done with the means that are at hand and with conditions as they are: We ascended the slope as far as was practicable.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of possible
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin possibilis “that may be done,” equivalent to poss(e) “to be able” ( see posse) + -ibilis -ible
Compare meaning
How does possible compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Something that’s possible is something that can happen, something that can be done, or something capable of existing. You can use possible to talk about anything that might happen. If you work really hard for a test, and you show you know the material, it’s possible that you’ll get an A. For a really hard problem like inventing a car that doesn’t use gas, you’ll need to pursue many possible solutions. If you write science fiction, you like to imagine possible worlds. Anything is possible, if you just put your mind to it!
Vocabulary lists containing possible
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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Words That Could Go Either Way: Synonyms for "Maybe"
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Michelle Obama's final address as First Lady (2017)
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Earlier in the day, Wall Street appeared to brush off hotter-than-expected wholesale inflation data and comments from the president about the possible strikes.
From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026
Under the agreement, Boelter will face the longest possible sentence on each charge, according to U.S.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026
Sam Peate, group chief delivery officer, said: "Patient safety is our top priority and we are putting plans in place to ensure disruption to patients is as minimal as possible."
From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026
With all the hype going into the offering, it’s highly possible that SpaceX is traded by the same people who trade Tesla, and for the same reasons that they trade Tesla.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026
I’ve been sitting slumped as low as possible in my seat, hoping she wouldn’t spot me, but she did.
From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
