If it is possible to find out where your brother is, we shall.
Everything is possible if we want it enough.
This morning he had tried every way possible to contact her.
Live as you like, leave home if you want–that was never possible when I was young.
It's been a beautiful evening and you have made it all possible.
Synonyms: feasible, viable, workable, achievable More Synonyms of possible
2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
A possible event is one that might happen.
The families are meeting lawyers to discuss possible action against the police.
Her family is discussing a possible move to America.
One possible solution, if all else fails, is to take legal action.
Is this not a possible outcome of the development of genetically modified food?
Synonyms: likely, potential, anticipated, probable More Synonyms of possible
3. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]
If you say that it is possiblethat something is true or correct, you mean that although you do not know whether it is true or correct, you accept that it might be.
[vagueness]
It is possible that there's an explanation for all this.
Of course it's possible that a severe shake-up would make your husband realize howmuch you really mean to him.
Synonyms: conceivable, likely, credible, plausible More Synonyms of possible
4. adjective
If you do something as soon as possible, you do it as soon as you can. If you get as much as possible of something, you get as much of it as you can.
Please make your decision as soon as possible.
I want to learn as much as possible about the industry so that I'm better prepared.
Michael sat down as far away from her as possible.
Buy fresh produce as often as possible.
5. adjective
You use possible with superlative adjectives to emphasize that something has more or less of a quality than anything else of its kind.
[emphasis]
They have joined the job market at the worst possible time.
We expressed in the clearest possible way our disappointment, hurt and anger.
He is doing the best job possible.
6. adjective
You use possible in expressions such as 'if possible' and 'if at all possible' when stating a wish or intention, to show that although this is what you really want, you may have to accept something different.
[politeness]
I need to see you, right away if possible.
...the moral duty to uphold peace if at all possible.
7. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
If you describe someone as, for example, a possible Prime Minister, you mean that they may become Prime Minister.
It seems that the studio saw her as a possible successor to Bette Davis.
Bradley has been considered a possible presidential contender himself.
Possible is also a noun.
Kennedy was tipped as a presidential possible.
He had been on the Nobel Prize committee's list of possibles.
8. singular noun
The possible is everything that can be done in a situation.
He is a democrat with the skill, nerve, and ingenuity to push the limits of the possible.
More Synonyms of possible
possible in British English
(ˈpɒsɪbəl)
adjective
1.
capable of existing, taking place, or proving true without contravention of any natural law
2.
capable of being achieved
it is not possible to finish in three weeks
3.
having potential or capabilities for favourable use or development
the idea is a possible money-spinner
4.
that may or may not happen or have happened; feasible but less than probable
it is possible that humans will live on Mars
5. 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
6. another word for possibility (sense 3)
▶ 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
Word origin
C14: from Latin possibilis that may be, from posse to be able, have power
possible in American English
(ˈpɑsəbəl)
adjective
1.
that can be; capable of existing
2.
that can be in the future; that may or may not happen
3.
a.
that can be done, known, acquired, selected, used, etc., depending on circumstances
a possible candidate
b.
that can happen or be; potential
4.
that may be done; permissible
5.
that may be a fact or the truth
6. Informal
that can be put up with; tolerable
SYNONYMY NOTE: possible is used of anything that may exist, occur, be done, etc., depending on circumstances[a possible solution to a problem]; practicable applies to that which can readily be effected under the prevailing conditions orby the means available [a practicable plan]; feasible is used of that which is likely to be carried through to a successful conclusionand, hence, connotes the desirability of doing so [a feasible enterprise]
Word origin
OFr < L possibilis < posse, to be able: see potent
Examples of 'possible' in a sentence
possible
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.Read more…
You have to try to make them as minimal as possible for maximum impact.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
World opinion must now support the strongest possible action and intervention in this humanitarian crisis.
The Sun (2016)
Neither task seemed possible without loss of dignity.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We want the best possible arrangement.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Where possible, use secure ski lockers or boot rooms in hotels and chalets.
The Sun (2016)
Less dramatic and more likely explanations are possible, too.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Liberty are thinking of two possible appointments, splitting the commercial side from the sporting side.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
What happened last season is something not possible, it's crazy.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Unlike any other industry, with the possible exception of farming, mining was a way of life.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Now it may be possible to do more.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
There are a number of possible explanations.
Radford, Tim & Leggett, Jeremy The Crisis of Life on Earth - our legacy from the second millenium (1990)
The results suggest that it could be possible to use deep brain stimulation directly to boost memory.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
It is possible to win something here.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
They want to move along the line of evolution as quickly as possible.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Make a list of some possible embarrassing situations people may not know how to handle.
Christianity Today (2000)
It seems possible that there has been a concerted conspiracy to damage the government.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Why could a wedding be closer than you think possible?
The Sun (2013)
What do these possible changes mean for the next generation of lawyers?
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
It may be possible to introduce a few office perks.
The only remaining possible explanation appears to be that seconds have gradually become shorter.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Make the range as wide as possible and use your imagination.
MacEoin, Beth Healthy By Nature (1994)
It is also possible this has something to do with her childhood.
The Sun (2007)
The council is funded by the taxpayer and the taxpayer wants the best possible value for money.
The Sun (2011)
Company sources said unofficial action was possible in the next few weeks.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
It seems possible that some combination of all three might be true.
Wills, Christopher The Runaway Brain: the Evolution of Human Uniqueness (1993)
It is possible that this situation may have begun to change by the time the new president enters office.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Do you think it's possible?
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
He looks more plausible now as a possible Prime Minister than he has before.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It's hard to find a bad number in the newest batch of economic data, with the possible exception of housing.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Quotations
Everything is possible, including the impossibleBenito Mussolini
With God all things are possibleBible: St. Matthew
In other languages
possible
British English: possible /ˈpɒsɪbl/ ADJECTIVE
If it is possible to do something, it can be done.
If it is possible to find out where your brother is, we shall.
American English: possible
Arabic: مُـمْكِن
Brazilian Portuguese: possível
Chinese: 可能的
Croatian: moguć
Czech: možný
Danish: mulig
Dutch: mogelijk
European Spanish: posible
Finnish: mahdollinen
French: possible
German: möglich
Greek: ενδεχόμενος
Italian: possibile
Japanese: 可能な
Korean: 가능한
Norwegian: mulig
Polish: możliwy
European Portuguese: possível
Romanian: posibil
Russian: возможный
Latin American Spanish: posible
Swedish: möjlig
Thai: ซึ่งเป็นไปได้
Turkish: olası
Ukrainian: можливий
Vietnamese: có thể
Translate your text for free
All related terms of 'possible'
possible way
If you refer to a way of doing something, you are referring to how you can do it, for example the action you can take or the method you can use to achieve it.
possible action
Action is doing something for a particular purpose.
possible effect
The effect of one thing on another is the change that the first thing causes in the second thing.
possible reason
The reason for something is a fact or situation which explains why it happens or what causes it to happen.
possible world
(in modal logic ) a semantic device formalizing the notion of what the world might have been like. A statement is necessarily true if and only if it is true in every possible world
humanly possible
If something is humanly possible , it is possible for people to do it.
logically possible
capable of being described without self-contradiction
possible outcome
The outcome of an activity, process, or situation is the situation that exists at the end of it.
possible sentence
In a law court, a sentence is the punishment that a person receives after they have been found guilty of a crime .
possible acquisition
If a company or business person makes an acquisition , they buy another company or part of a company.
possible explanation
If you say there is an explanation for something, you mean that there is a reason for it.
the best possible chance
If you have a chance to do something, you have the opportunity to do it.
It is a good idea to start with easily achievable goals.
within reach
on (informal)
practicable
Teachers can only be expected to do what is practicable.
attainable
It is unrealistic to believe perfection is a attainable goal.
doable
realizable
Po$Ebl (textmessaging)
Opposites
impossible
,
unreasonable
,
unobtainable
,
impracticable
,
unfeasible
2 (adjective)
Definition
capable of existing, happening, or proving true
One possible solution is to take legal action.
Synonyms
likely
A `yes' vote is the likely outcome.
potential
potential customers
anticipated
probable
It is probable that food prices will increase.
odds-on
She is the odds-on favourite to win the contest.
on the cards
Po$Ebl (textmessaging)
Opposites
impossible
,
improbable
3 (adjective)
Definition
feasible but less than probable
It's just possible that he was trying to put me off the trip.
Synonyms
conceivable
It is just conceivable that a single survivor may be found.
likely
It's likely that he still has it.
credible
This claim seems perfectly credible to me.
plausible
That explanation seems entirely plausible to me.
hypothetical
imaginable
They encourage every activity imaginable.
believable
believable evidence
thinkable
At the same time, language makes thinkable the unreal and unreasonable.
Po$Ebl (textmessaging)
Opposites
impossible
,
unlikely
,
incredible
,
unthinkable
,
inconceivable
,
unimaginable
4 (adjective)
Definition
having potential
a possible presidential contender
Synonyms
aspiring
an aspiring young artist
would-be
a book that provides encouragement for would-be writers
promising
a new and promising stage in the negotiations
hopeful
hopeful forecasts that the economy will improve
prospective
The story is a warning to other prospective buyers.
wannabe (informal)
Po$Ebl (textmessaging)
Usage note
Although it is very common to talk about something's being very possible or more possible, many people object to such uses, claiming that possible describes an absolute state, and therefore something can only be either possible or not possible. If you want to refer to different degrees of probability, a word such as likely or easy may be more appropriate than possible, for example it is very likely that he will resign (not very possible).
Quotations
Everything is possible, including the impossible [Benito Mussolini]With God all things are possible [Bible: St. Matthew]
Additional synonyms
in the sense of achievable
It is a good idea to start with easily achievable goals.
Synonyms
attainable,
obtainable,
winnable,
reachable,
realizable,
within your grasp,
graspable,
gettable,
acquirable,
possible,
accessible,
probable,
feasible,
practicable,
accomplishable
in the sense of attainable
It is unrealistic to believe perfection is a attainable goal.
Synonyms
achievable,
possible,
likely,
potential,
accessible,
probable,
at hand,
feasible,
within reach,
practicable,
obtainable,
reachable,
realizable,
graspable,
gettable,
procurable,
accomplishable
in the sense of believable
believable evidence
Synonyms
credible,
possible,
likely,
acceptable,
reliable,
authentic,
probable,
plausible,
imaginable,
trustworthy,
creditable
Synonyms of 'possible'
possible
Explore 'possible' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of credible
Definition
capable of being believed
This claim seems perfectly credible to me.
Synonyms
believable,
possible,
likely,
reasonable,
probable,
plausible,
conceivable,
imaginable,
tenable,
thinkable,
supposable,
verisimilar
in the sense of hopeful
Definition
having, inspiring, or expressing hope
hopeful forecasts that the economy will improve
Synonyms
promising,
encouraging,
bright,
reassuring,
cheerful,
rosy,
heartening,
auspicious,
propitious
in the sense of imaginable
They encourage every activity imaginable.
Synonyms
possible,
conceivable,
likely,
credible,
plausible,
believable,
under the sun,
comprehensible,
thinkable,
within the bounds of possibility,
supposable
in the sense of odds-on
Definition
having a better than even chance of winning
She is the odds-on favourite to win the contest.
Synonyms
likely,
expected,
anticipated,
probable,
on the cards
in the sense of plausible
Definition
apparently reasonable or true
That explanation seems entirely plausible to me.
Synonyms
believable,
possible,
likely,
reasonable,
credible,
probable,
persuasive,
conceivable,
tenable,
colourable,
verisimilar
in the sense of potential
Definition
capable of being or becoming
potential customers
Synonyms
possible,
future,
likely,
promising,
budding,
embryonic,
undeveloped,
unrealized,
probable
in the sense of practicable
Definition
capable of being done
Teachers can only be expected to do what is practicable.
Synonyms
feasible,
possible,
viable,
workable,
achievable,
attainable,
doable,
within the realm of possibility,
performable
in the sense of probable
Definition
most likely
It is probable that food prices will increase.
Synonyms
likely,
possible,
apparent,
reasonable to think,
most likely,
presumed,
credible,
plausible,
feasible,
odds-on,
on the cards,
presumable
in the sense of promising
Definition
likely to succeed or turn out well
a new and promising stage in the negotiations
Synonyms
encouraging,
likely,
bright,
reassuring,
hopeful,
favourable,
rosy,
auspicious,
propitious,
full of promise
in the sense of prospective
Definition
future
The story is a warning to other prospective buyers.
Synonyms
potential,
possible,
to come,
about to be,
upcoming,
soon-to-be
Additional synonyms
in the sense of thinkable
At the same time, language makes thinkable the unreal and unreasonable.
Synonyms
possible,
conceivable,
imaginable,
likely,
reasonable,
feasible,
within the bounds of possibility
in the sense of viable
Definition
able to be put into practice
commercially viable products
Synonyms
workable,
practical,
feasible,
suitable,
realistic,
operational,
applicable,
usable,
practicable,
serviceable,
operable,
within the bounds of possibility
in the sense of workable
Definition
able to operate efficiently
This isn't a workable solution to the problem.
Synonyms
viable,
possible,
practical,
feasible,
practicable,
doable
in the sense of would-be
Definition
wanting or pretending to be
a book that provides encouragement for would-be writers