Quick Answer: Synonyms for possible include feasible, achievable, attainable, viable, likely, potential, plausible, conceivable, imaginable, and workable. Choose feasible for formal plans or practical ideas, achievable for goals, attainable for things within reach, viable for solutions that can succeed, likely for something expected to happen, and plausible for something believable. The best synonym depends on whether you mean something can happen, can be done, can be believed, or may become true.
Pronunciation and Word Details
Word: Possible
Pronunciation: /ˈpɑːsəbəl/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Able to happen, exist, be done, or be true.
US Pronunciation:
UK Pronunciation:
What Does “Possible” Mean?
Possible means able to happen, exist, be done, or be true. It is an adjective used to describe events, ideas, plans, results, explanations, solutions, and opportunities that are not impossible.
Possible can describe something realistic, uncertain, expected, or allowed by the situation. For example, a possible answer may be one that could be correct. A possible plan may be one that can be carried out. A possible problem may be one that might happen. In sentences, possible often shows chance, ability, permission, or practical opportunity.
Meaning, Tone, and Context of “Possible”
Possible has a neutral and flexible tone. It is common in formal writing, casual speech, academic writing, business communication, planning, decision making, science, problem solving, and daily conversation. The word does not usually sound emotional, but it can create hope, caution, uncertainty, or practical thinking depending on the context.
In formal writing, possible often means that something is reasonable, permitted, or supported by evidence. In casual speech, it may simply mean maybe or able to happen. In technical writing, it can describe conditions, outcomes, options, risks, or solutions. Because possible is broad, a more exact synonym can often make writing clearer.
When and How to Use “Possible”
For Chance: Use possible when something may happen but is not certain.
Example: Rain is possible later this evening.
For Ability: Use possible when something can be done under the right conditions.
Example: It is possible to finish the report before Friday.
For Practical Plans: Use possible when a plan can work in real life.
Example: A shorter meeting schedule may be possible next month.
For Options: Use possible when describing choices that could be considered.
Example: We discussed several possible solutions to the problem.
For Explanations: Use possible when an idea could be true but has not been confirmed.
Example: One possible reason for the delay is heavy traffic.
Best Synonyms for Possible
Feasible: Able to be done in a practical and realistic way.
Example: The manager asked whether the new schedule was feasible.
Achievable: Able to be reached or completed successfully.
Example: The goal is achievable with careful planning.
Attainable: Possible to reach, gain, or accomplish.
Example: A higher score is attainable with regular practice.
Viable: Capable of working successfully.
Example: The team found a viable solution to the budget issue.
Likely: Expected or probable to happen.
Example: A price increase is likely next year.
Potential: Able to develop, happen, or become real in the future.
Example: The project has potential benefits for the whole department.
Plausible: Seeming reasonable or believable.
Example: Her explanation sounded plausible.
Conceivable: Able to be imagined or thought possible.
Example: It is conceivable that the rule may change.
Imaginable: Able to be imagined or considered.
Example: They explored every imaginable option.
Workable: Practical enough to be used or accepted.
Example: The plan is workable if everyone follows the steps.
50 Synonyms for Possible with Short Meanings
- Feasible: Practical and able to be done.
- Achievable: Able to be reached or completed.
- Attainable: Possible to gain or accomplish.
- Viable: Able to work successfully.
- Likely: Expected to happen.
- Potential: Able to develop or become real.
- Plausible: Reasonable and believable.
- Conceivable: Able to be imagined as possible.
- Imaginable: Able to be thought of or pictured.
- Workable: Practical enough to use.
- Probable: More likely than not.
- Credible: Believable or reasonable.
- Realistic: Sensible and based on real conditions.
- Practical: Useful and suitable for real use.
- Doable: Able to be done.
- Manageable: Able to be handled or controlled.
- Obtainable: Able to be gained or received.
- Reachable: Able to be reached.
- Accessible: Able to be reached, used, or entered.
- Available: Ready or able to be used.
- Permissible: Allowed by rules or conditions.
- Allowable: Acceptable or permitted.
- Admissible: Able to be accepted or allowed.
- Thinkable: Able to be thought possible.
- Believable: Easy enough to accept as true.
- Reasonable: Fair, sensible, or logical.
- Expected: Considered likely to happen.
- Predictable: Able to be expected or foreseen.
- Prospective: Expected or likely in the future.
- Future: Related to what may happen later.
- Contingent: Depending on something else.
- Conditional: Possible only if certain conditions are met.
- Optional: Available as a choice.
- Alternative: Available as another choice.
- Open: Still available or undecided.
- Pending: Waiting to happen or be decided.
- Within reach: Close enough to achieve.
- Within reason: Sensible and not extreme.
- In view: Being considered as a possibility.
- In prospect: Possible in the future.
- On the cards: Likely or possible.
- In the running: Still possible or being considered.
- Apt: Likely or naturally able to happen.
- Liable: Likely to happen, often in a negative sense.
- Capable: Having the ability to do or become something.
- Susceptible: Able to be affected by something.
- Prone: Likely to experience something.
- Open to: Able to accept, receive, or experience something.
- Subject to: Dependent on a condition or rule.
- Within possibility: Still able to happen.
Read Also:
Synonyms for Efficient
Synonyms for Possible by Context
When Possible Means Able to Be Done
Use these synonyms when possible describes something practical or realistic.
Feasible: The proposal is feasible with the current budget.
Doable: The task is doable before the end of the day.
Workable: The plan is workable if the team has enough support.
Practical: A practical solution should save time and reduce stress.
When Possible Means Able to Be Achieved
Use these synonyms when possible describes a goal, target, result, or success.
Achievable: The target is achievable with steady effort.
Attainable: Better results are attainable with better training.
Reachable: The deadline is reachable if we begin today.
Obtainable: The certificate is obtainable after completing the course.
When Possible Means Likely to Happen
Use these synonyms when possible describes probability or expectation.
Likely: The meeting is likely to continue for another hour.
Probable: A change in policy is probable this year.
Expected: A response is expected by tomorrow.
Apt: The old system is apt to slow down under pressure.
When Possible Means Believable
Use these synonyms when possible describes an explanation, claim, theory, or idea.
Plausible: His answer was plausible but still needed proof.
Credible: The report gave a credible explanation for the error.
Believable: Her story sounded believable to the committee.
Reasonable: It is reasonable to think the delay came from a technical issue.
When Possible Means Future or Potential
Use these synonyms when possible describes something that may develop later.
Potential: The plan has potential value for new learners.
Prospective: The company reviewed prospective changes for next year.
In prospect: Several improvements are in prospect.
Open: The final decision is still open.
Another Word for Possible
Another word for possible is feasible when you mean something can be done in a practical way. However, the best alternative depends on context. Use achievable for goals, likely for probability, plausible for believable ideas, and viable for plans or solutions that can succeed.
Original: A shorter schedule is possible.
Better Option: A shorter schedule is feasible.
Original: The goal is possible with enough practice.
Better Option: The goal is achievable with enough practice.
Original: Rain is possible this afternoon.
Better Option: Rain is likely this afternoon.
Original: Her explanation is possible.
Better Option: Her explanation is plausible.
When Not to Use “Possible”
Do not use possible when a more specific word would make the meaning clearer. Possible is useful, but it can sound vague if the sentence needs to show whether something is practical, likely, believable, allowed, or achievable.
Weak: This is a possible plan.
Better: This is a feasible plan.
Weak: A possible result is success.
Better: An achievable result is success.
Weak: His excuse is possible.
Better: His excuse is plausible.
Weak: A price change is possible.
Better: A price change is likely.
Possible can also sound too uncertain in persuasive writing. If you are confident that something will work, use a stronger synonym such as viable, effective, realistic, or practical.
Words Commonly Confused With Possible
Possible vs Probable: Possible means something can happen. Probable means something is likely to happen. A result can be possible without being probable.
Possible vs Feasible: Possible means able to happen or be done. Feasible means practical enough to be done successfully.
Possible vs Plausible: Possible means something could be true. Plausible means it sounds reasonable or believable.
Possible vs Potential: Possible describes what can happen. Potential describes what may develop or become real later.
Possible vs Achievable: Possible is broad. Achievable focuses on goals or results that can be reached.
Possible vs Viable: Possible means something can exist or happen. Viable means it can work successfully in real conditions.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Choose feasible when writing about practical plans, solutions, projects, or proposals.
Choose achievable when writing about goals, targets, learning outcomes, or personal progress.
Choose attainable when something can be reached, earned, gained, or accomplished.
Choose viable when a solution, idea, or system can succeed in real conditions.
Choose likely when describing something expected to happen.
Choose probable when the chance is stronger than possible but still not certain.
Choose plausible when an idea, explanation, or excuse sounds believable.
Choose potential when something may develop or become real later.
Choose workable when describing a plan that is practical enough to use.
Choose permissible when something is allowed by rules, law, policy, or conditions.
Real Life Examples of “Possible” in Sentences
Original: It is possible to finish the task today.
Better Option: It is doable to finish the task today.
Original: A better result is possible with more practice.
Better Option: A better result is achievable with more practice.
Original: The plan is possible if we reduce costs.
Better Option: The plan is feasible if we reduce costs.
Original: A technical error is possible.
Better Option: A technical error is plausible.
Original: A delay is possible during the repair work.
Better Option: A delay is likely during the repair work.
Original: There are several possible answers.
Better Option: There are several plausible answers.
Original: Promotion is possible this year.
Better Option: Promotion is attainable this year.
Original: The new idea is possible for our team.
Better Option: The new idea is workable for our team.
Original: A future partnership is possible.
Better Option: A future partnership is potential.
Original: It is possible to enter through the side gate.
Better Option: It is permissible to enter through the side gate.
Synonym Groups and Usage Differences
Practical Possibility Group
Feasible, workable, practical, doable, and manageable describe things that can be done in real life. Use this group for plans, tasks, projects, and methods.
Example: The new training schedule is feasible for a small team.
Achievement Group
Achievable, attainable, obtainable, reachable, and within reach describe goals or results that can be gained. Use this group for success, progress, scores, targets, and personal aims.
Example: A higher grade is attainable with regular study.
Probability Group
Likely, probable, expected, apt, and liable describe things that may happen. Use this group when discussing chance, forecasts, risks, and outcomes.
Example: The road is likely to be busy in the evening.
Believability Group
Plausible, credible, believable, reasonable, and thinkable describe ideas or explanations that make sense. Use this group for theories, answers, excuses, claims, and arguments.
Example: The explanation is plausible, but it still needs evidence.
Future Potential Group
Potential, prospective, in prospect, open, and pending describe things that may develop later. Use this group for opportunities, decisions, changes, and plans.
Example: The proposal has potential value for future projects.
Antonyms of Possible
Impossible: Not able to happen or be done.
Unfeasible: Not practical enough to carry out.
Unachievable: Not able to be reached or completed.
Unattainable: Impossible to gain, reach, or accomplish.
Unlikely: Not expected to happen.
Improbable: Not likely to be true or happen.
Implausible: Not believable or reasonable.
Unrealistic: Not based on real conditions.
Unworkable: Not practical or usable.
Unavailable: Not ready or able to be used.
Forbidden: Not allowed by rules or authority.
Inconceivable: Too unlikely or difficult to imagine.
Comparison: Possible vs Related Words
Possible vs Feasible
Possible means something can happen or be done. Feasible means it can be done in a practical, realistic, and sensible way.
Example With Possible: It is possible to build the room in two weeks.
Example With Feasible: It is feasible to build the room in two weeks with enough workers.
Possible vs Probable
Possible means something may happen. Probable means it is likely to happen.
Example With Possible: A schedule change is possible.
Example With Probable: A schedule change is probable because the manager requested it.
Possible vs Plausible
Possible means something could be true. Plausible means it sounds reasonable or believable.
Example With Possible: His reason is possible.
Example With Plausible: His reason is plausible because it matches the facts.
Possible vs Achievable
Possible is a general word for something that can happen or be done. Achievable is more specific and usually describes goals or results.
Example With Possible: Better performance is possible.
Example With Achievable: Better performance is achievable with daily practice.
Possible vs Viable
Possible means something can exist, happen, or be done. Viable means it can succeed or continue effectively.
Example With Possible: A new plan is possible.
Example With Viable: A new plan is viable because it fits the budget.
Common Phrases and Expressions With Possible
As Soon as Possible: At the earliest practical time.
If Possible: If it can be done or arranged.
Whenever Possible: At any time when it can happen.
Where Possible: In places or situations where it can be done.
A Possible Solution: A solution that may work.
A Possible Reason: A reason that may explain something.
A Possible Outcome: A result that may happen.
A Possible Change: A change that may take place.
Possible Risk: A danger that may happen.
Possible Future: A future situation that may become real.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is using possible when probable is more accurate. If something is expected to happen, likely or probable is stronger than possible. Another mistake is using possible when feasible is needed. A plan may be possible in theory but not feasible in real conditions.
Writers also use possible too often in the same paragraph. Replace it with achievable, viable, workable, plausible, or likely when those words give clearer meaning. Avoid vague phrases like possible thing or possible stuff. Use precise nouns such as possible result, possible cause, possible answer, possible option, or possible solution.
Conclusion
Synonyms for possible help you explain chance, ability, belief, plans, and future outcomes with better accuracy. Use feasible for practical plans, achievable for goals, attainable for things within reach, likely for expected events, plausible for believable ideas, and viable for solutions that can succeed. Possible is a useful general word, but stronger alternatives make your writing clearer, more natural, and more specific for readers.
FAQs About Synonyms for Possible
What is the best synonym for possible?
The best synonym for possible is feasible when you mean something can be done in a practical way. For goals, achievable is often better.
What are formal synonyms for possible?
Formal synonyms for possible include feasible, viable, attainable, plausible, probable, permissible, admissible, and achievable.
What is a simple synonym for possible?
A simple synonym for possible is doable. Other simple options include likely, workable, practical, and achievable.
Is possible the same as probable?
No. Possible means something can happen. Probable means something is likely to happen.
What is another word for possible solution?
Another word for possible solution is viable solution. You can also use feasible solution, workable solution, practical solution, or plausible solution.
What is the opposite of possible?
The opposite of possible is impossible. Other antonyms include unfeasible, unlikely, unachievable, implausible, unrealistic, and unworkable.
Can possible mean allowed?
Yes. In some contexts, possible can mean allowed or permitted, but permissible or allowable is more precise when rules or permission are involved.
