Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective possible differ from other similar words?

The words feasible and practicable are common synonyms of possible. While all three words 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

Where would feasible be a reasonable alternative to possible?

Although the words feasible and possible have much in common, feasible applies to what is likely to work or be useful in attaining the end desired.

commercially feasible for mass production

In what contexts can practicable take the place of possible?

In some situations, the words practicable and possible are roughly equivalent. However, practicable implies that something may be effected by available means or under current conditions.

a solution that is not practicable in the time available

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of possible To build up those fibers, eat some protein as soon as possible after a workout, says Jeremy Ford, a sports dietitian and nutritionist at the University of South Carolina. Margaret Cirino, NPR, 22 Feb. 2025 Early work: The plan going in was to get Wiggins, making just his third Heat appearance, as acclimated as possible. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2025 And the sonic design just, like, blows your head apart, as if to say this is the scariest part of the possible sequence — just the uncertainty of what’s happening. Michaela Zee, Variety, 22 Feb. 2025 Lift one leg to the side, trying to keep your body as still as possible. Hilary Achauer, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for possible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possible
Adjective
  • Early trials are meant to test whether or not a treatment is feasible — in this case, if an mRNA vaccine for pancreatic cancer could produce durable T cells.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 19 Feb. 2025
  • However, high construction costs and damage to business amid the city’s ongoing Washington Street Bridge replacement made pursuing a larger restaurant not feasible, Cullen said in a call Tuesday.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • That charge exposed Friedmann to a potential 25 to 40 years in prison.
    Keith Sharon, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Philadelphia’s Mekhi Becton, Indianapolis’ Will Fries and San Francisco’s Aaron Brooks are potential free-agent options.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • There are many steps to creating a viable white hydrogen industry, including developing reliable, economic methods to extract it and infrastructure to store and transport it.
    Laura Paddison, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025
  • In a world where sustainability is often reduced to carbon footprints and recycling bins, Acumen is providing the missing half of the equation: a recognition that businesses must be economically viable to contribute to a better world.
    Jason Phillips, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Possible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possible. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

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