Possible | Definition of possible by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of POSSIBLE

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>

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Origin of POSSIBLE

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

Related to POSSIBLE

Synonyms: achievable, attainable, doable, feasible, practicable, realizable, viable, workable

Antonyms: hopeless, impossible, impracticable, infeasible, nonviable, unattainable, undoable, unfeasible, unrealizable, unviable, unworkable

Synonym Discussion of 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>.

Definition of POSSIBLE for Kids

1

: able to be done <Call whenever possible.>

2

: able to happen or exist <A storm is possible.>

3

: able or suited to be or to become <I have a possible solution.>

Synonym Discussion of POSSIBLE

possible and likely mean capable of becoming true or of actually happening. possible is used when something may happen or exist under the proper conditions. <It is possible that you may get rich.> likely is used when chances are good that something will actually happen but there is no proof it will. <It is likely that the storm will cause damage.>

Learn More About POSSIBLE

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "possible"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "possible"

Nglish: Translation of "possible" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "possible" for Arabic speakers

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