possibility

noun

pos·​si·​bil·​i·​ty ˌpä-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce possibility (audio)
plural possibilities
Synonyms of possibilitynext
1
: the condition or fact of being possible
There is a strong/real/remote/faint possibility that I'll get the job.
usually used with of
the possibility of rain today
It is not outside the range/realm of possibility that we'll win.
2
archaic : one's utmost power, capacity, or ability
3
: something that is possible
Rain is a possibility today.
The future holds untold possibilities.
We exhausted all the possibilities. [=we did everything we could think of]
4
: potential or prospective value
usually used in plural
the house had great possibilities

Examples of possibility in a Sentence

There is a strong possibility that I will not be chosen for the job. Have you considered the possibility that you may be wrong? My first two ideas didn't work, but I thought of a third possibility. The future holds untold possibilities. His degree and job experience give him a wide range of possibilities for a career. a man of undetermined possibilities The old house might not look like much now, but it has possibilities.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In December, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, or DEEP, began holding meetings to inform the public of the possibility of building more nuclear reactors within the state, hoping to entice a town to host one. Krisztian Elcsics, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026 No, but talent of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s pedigree comes to market (if that truly is the case) so rarely, that such a possibility has to be prioritized. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2026 Today, a clutch of states that didn't have the time or the political momentum to redistrict in 2026 are looking at the possibility of redrawing lines next year. Susan Page, USA Today, 11 May 2026 Like other Canela programming, Zully series will be free and ad-supported, though a subscription tier is a possibility down the line. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for possibility

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of possibility was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Possibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/possibility. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

possibility

noun
pos·​si·​bil·​i·​ty ˌpäs-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce possibility (audio)
plural possibilities
1
: the state or fact of being possible
2
: something possible

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