possibility

noun

ˌpä-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce possibility (audio)
Definition of possibilitynext
1
as in potential
something that can develop or become actual there's a possibility for violence in the situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in event
something that might happen winning the championship is a real possibility for us

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 possibility During a 2016 trip abroad, family members coincidentally met a former Arizona state senator who mentioned the possibility of using a forensic technique called familial DNA. — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026 Well, Canadians can now thank Trump for evoking the possibility. — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026 YouTube executives are already considering this as a possibility, said the people. — Alex Sherman, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026 This scattering of light and even electromagnetic radiation by particles that are smaller than the wavelength of the radiation opens up the possibility of signals reaching the receiver, even when the transmitter is not in line-of-sight. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for possibility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for possibility
  1. potential
  2. event
  3. prospect
  4. case
  5. potentiality
  6. contingency
Noun
  • Unsurprisingly, Altman, 41, is a true believer in the society-changing potential of AI.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Remember the thought that new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel would unlock all the potential of Herbert?
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of potential
Noun
  • Forty years later, adult Calvin (Josh Hartnett) is still haunted by the event.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Each of the six main suspects get their chance to give their version of events on the day of Jodie’s death, effectively supplying their own alibis.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of event
Noun
  • The question of Palestinian statehood cannot be left for the end of a peace process, and the prospect of it must be credible to ensure Palestinians’ engagement with political renewal.
    — Michael Robbins, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Washington has reportedly deployed a third aircraft carrier to the Middle East, raising prospects that an escalation of tensions in the region could be on the cards.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of prospect
Noun
  • In the wake of the Cornell case, there have been calls for greater regulation and even bans on fraternities.
    — Richard Hall, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The number of emergency applications now rivals the annual tally of cases the justices consider with full briefing and oral arguments, Alito wrote in a new book released Tuesday.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of case
Noun
  • Time, not thriftily spent but flagrantly wasted at cards or the wheel, is brought to a standstill right at the moment of its greatest potentiality—this would have to be the ultimate payoff.
    — Artforum, Artforum, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Work commenced on the record three months after Drewchin welcomed the arrival of her first child, Nova, a period in which she was consumed with the reality and potentialities of being a new parent.
    — Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
Definition of potentiality
Noun
  • But Week 4 brought an especially jarring wave, with stars and indispensable starters disappearing from game after game, giving teams an early lesson in contingency planning.
    — Rick Maese, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026
  • So contingency planning involved war-gaming out some scenarios.
    — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of contingency

Browse Nearby Words

possibilities
possibility
possible
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Cite this Entry

“Possibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/possibility. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about possibility

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