possibility

noun

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 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.
This move was not entirely unexpected, as Bezos hinted at the possibility during an interview with CNBC back in May. CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 Defense attorneys in both cases argued that the defendants’ intent was in question, raising in argument the possibility that their clients were not trying to cause serious bodily injury or death. Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026 Perovskites, meanwhile, offer the possibility of lightweight and potentially flexible solar layers that could conform to roofs, hoods and other body panels. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026 On Thursday, Nixon, a progressive, said criminal charges should be a possibility, despite the grand jury not recommending them. Liv Caputo, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

possibility

noun
plural possibilities
1
: the state or fact of being possible
2
: something possible

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