The word “possible” is one of the most common words in English. People use it every day when talking about chances, ideas, plans, or things that can happen. For example, a student may say, “It is possible to pass the exam with hard work.” A doctor may say, “Recovery is possible with proper treatment.”
Because the word is so common, writers and speakers often repeat it too much. Learning synonyms helps English learners sound more natural and confident. It also helps content writers avoid repetition and make their writing more interesting.
In this article, you will learn the meaning of possible, its pronunciation, grammar, history, and connotative meaning. You will also discover 30 useful synonyms with simple definitions and examples to improve your English vocabulary.
Meaning of Possible
Possible (Adjective):
Something that can happen, exist, or be done.
Examples
- It is possible to learn English online.
- Is it possible to finish the work today?
Connotative Meaning
(Connotation means the emotional feeling or idea connected to a word.)
- Positive tone: Hopeful, achievable, encouraging
- Negative tone: Doubtful in some situations
- Neutral tone: Simply shows chance or ability
Etymology
- The word possible comes from Latin possibilis.
- It originally meant “able to be done.”
- It entered English through Old French.
Short History of the Keyword
- Old English (450–1100): The exact word was not used, but similar ideas existed.
- Middle English (1100–1500): The word entered English from French and Latin.
- Modern English (1500–Present): “Possible” became widely used in daily speech and writing.
Pronunciation (US & UK – IPA)
- US: /ˈpɑː.sə.bəl/
- UK: /ˈpɒs.ə.bəl/
Syllables
pos-si-ble
Affixation Pattern of Possible
- Root: poss
- Prefix: none
- Suffix: -ible
Word Formation of the Keyword
- Possibility (noun)
- Possibly (adverb)
- Impossible (adjective)
- Impossibility (noun)
- Possessor (noun)
A List of 30 Synonyms for Possible
1. Achievable (Adjective)
US: /əˈtʃiː.və.bəl/ | UK: /əˈtʃiː.və.bəl/
Meaning: Able to be completed successfully.
Examples:
- The goal is achievable with practice.
- Success is achievable for everyone.
2. Feasible (Adjective)
US: /ˈfiː.zə.bəl/ | UK: /ˈfiː.zə.bəl/
Meaning: Practical and likely to work.
Examples:
- The plan seems feasible.
- Building the bridge is feasible now.
3. Probable (Adjective)
US: /ˈprɑː.bə.bəl/ | UK: /ˈprɒb.ə.bəl/
Meaning: Likely to happen.
Examples:
- Rain is probable tomorrow.
- His arrival is probable tonight.
4. Likely (Adjective)
US: /ˈlaɪk.li/ | UK: /ˈlaɪk.li/
Meaning: Expected to happen.
Examples:
- She is likely to win.
- Prices are likely to rise.
5. Conceivable (Adjective)
US: /kənˈsiː.və.bəl/ | UK: /kənˈsiː.və.bəl/
Meaning: Able to be imagined.
Examples:
- Such a mistake is conceivable.
- It is conceivable that he forgot.
6. Doable (Adjective)
US: /ˈduː.ə.bəl/ | UK: /ˈduː.ə.bəl/
Meaning: Easy enough to complete.
Examples:
- The task is doable.
- This project looks doable now.
7. Attainable (Adjective)
US: /əˈteɪ.nə.bəl/ | UK: /əˈteɪ.nə.bəl/
Meaning: Possible to reach or achieve.
Examples:
- Peace is attainable.
- The target is attainable this year.
8. Realistic (Adjective)
US: /ˌriː.əˈlɪs.tɪk/ | UK: /ˌrɪəˈlɪs.tɪk/
Meaning: Based on reality and practical ideas.
Examples:
- We need a realistic plan.
- Her goals are realistic.
9. Viable (Adjective)
US: /ˈvaɪ.ə.bəl/ | UK: /ˈvaɪ.ə.bəl/
Meaning: Able to work successfully.
Examples:
- The business idea is viable.
- Solar energy is a viable option.
10. Obtainable (Adjective)
US: /əbˈteɪ.nə.bəl/ | UK: /əbˈteɪ.nə.bəl/
Meaning: Able to be gained or acquired.
Examples:
- The book is obtainable online.
- Success is obtainable through effort.
11. Manageable (Adjective)
US: /ˈmæn.ɪ.dʒə.bəl/ | UK: /ˈmæn.ɪ.dʒə.bəl/
Meaning: Easy to control or handle.
Examples:
- The workload is manageable.
- The problem became manageable.
12. Reasonable (Adjective)
US: /ˈriː.zə.nə.bəl/ | UK: /ˈriː.zən.ə.bəl/
Meaning: Fair and sensible.
Examples:
- That is a reasonable idea.
- The price seems reasonable.
13. Credible (Adjective)
US: /ˈkred.ə.bəl/ | UK: /ˈkred.ɪ.bəl/
Meaning: Able to be believed.
Examples:
- His story sounds credible.
- The report is credible.
14. Practical (Adjective)
US: /ˈpræk.tɪ.kəl/ | UK: /ˈpræk.tɪ.kəl/
Meaning: Useful and workable.
Examples:
- We need practical solutions.
- Her advice was practical.
15. Workable (Adjective)
US: /ˈwɝː.kə.bəl/ | UK: /ˈwɜː.kə.bəl/
Meaning: Able to function properly.
Examples:
- The schedule is workable.
- They found a workable method.
16. Potential (Adjective)
US: /pəˈten.ʃəl/ | UK: /pəˈten.ʃəl/
Meaning: Having the chance to develop.
Examples:
- This is a potential risk.
- She is a potential leader.
17. Acceptable (Adjective)
US: /əkˈsep.tə.bəl/ | UK: /əkˈsep.tə.bəl/
Meaning: Good enough to allow.
Examples:
- The quality is acceptable.
- His answer was acceptable.
18. Thinkable (Adjective)
US: /ˈθɪŋ.kə.bəl/ | UK: /ˈθɪŋ.kə.bəl/
Meaning: Able to be imagined.
Examples:
- Every thinkable option was discussed.
- Is such a thing thinkable?
19. Within Reach (Adjective Phrase)
US: /wɪˈðɪn riːtʃ/ | UK: /wɪˈðɪn riːtʃ/
Meaning: Possible to achieve soon.
Examples:
- Victory is within reach.
- Success is within reach now.
20. Obtainable (Adjective)
US: /əbˈteɪ.nə.bəl/ | UK: /əbˈteɪ.nə.bəl/
Meaning: Able to be acquired.
Examples:
- The prize is obtainable.
- Good education is obtainable online.
21. Plausible (Adjective)
US: /ˈplɔː.zə.bəl/ | UK: /ˈplɔː.zɪ.bəl/
Meaning: Seeming reasonable or true.
Examples:
- That sounds plausible.
- They gave a plausible excuse.
22. Allowed (Adjective)
US: /əˈlaʊd/ | UK: /əˈlaʊd/
Meaning: Permitted by rules or law.
Examples:
- Phones are not allowed here.
- Students are allowed to ask questions.
23. Permissible (Adjective)
US: /pərˈmɪs.ə.bəl/ | UK: /pəˈmɪs.ə.bəl/
Meaning: Officially allowed.
Examples:
- Smoking is not permissible here.
- Late entry is permissible today.
24. Imaginable (Adjective)
US: /ɪˈmædʒ.ɪ.nə.bəl/ | UK: /ɪˈmædʒ.ɪ.nə.bəl/
Meaning: Able to exist in the mind.
Examples:
- Every imaginable tool was used.
- That is imaginable now.
25. Expected (Adjective)
US: /ɪkˈspek.tɪd/ | UK: /ɪkˈspek.tɪd/
Meaning: Likely to happen.
Examples:
- The storm is expected tomorrow.
- Her success was expected.
26. Capable (Adjective)
US: /ˈkeɪ.pə.bəl/ | UK: /ˈkeɪ.pə.bəl/
Meaning: Having the ability to do something.
Examples:
- She is capable of leading.
- The machine is capable of fast work.
27. Open (Adjective)
US: /ˈoʊ.pən/ | UK: /ˈəʊ.pən/
Meaning: Available or possible.
Examples:
- Several choices are open to us.
- The position is still open.
28. On the Cards (Phrase)
US: /ɑːn ðə kɑːrdz/ | UK: /ɒn ðə kɑːdz/
Meaning: Likely to happen soon.
Examples:
- Promotion is on the cards.
- Rain is on the cards today.
29. Promising (Adjective)
US: /ˈprɑː.mɪ.sɪŋ/ | UK: /ˈprɒm.ɪ.sɪŋ/
Meaning: Showing signs of success.
Examples:
- The results look promising.
- She has a promising future.
30. Reachable (Adjective)
US: /ˈriː.tʃə.bəl/ | UK: /ˈriː.tʃə.bəl/
Meaning: Able to be reached.
Examples:
- The village is reachable by road.
- The target is reachable now.
Prototype Meaning
The prototype meaning of possible is something that can happen or be done. Most people imagine a situation where success, action, or change still has a chance. The word often gives a feeling of hope and opportunity.
Prototype Categorization
Synonyms of possible can be grouped into categories:
- Chance and probability: likely, probable, plausible
- Ability and achievement: achievable, attainable, reachable
- Practical use: feasible, workable, practical
- Permission and rules: permissible, allowed
- Imagination and thought: conceivable, thinkable, imaginable
Categorization helps writers choose the best synonym for each situation. For example, “feasible” fits business writing, while “conceivable” fits academic or thoughtful writing.
Antonyms of Possible
- Impossible (adjective): Not able to happen
- Unachievable (adjective): Unable to be reached
- Unlikely (adjective): Not expected to happen
- Hopeless (adjective): Without chance of success
- Unworkable (adjective): Not practical or usable
- Forbidden (adjective): Not allowed
Short Questions and Answers
- What does possible mean?
It means something can happen or be done. - When should possible be used?
Use it when talking about chances, opportunities, or ability. - Is possible positive or negative?
It is usually neutral or positive, depending on context. - How is it different from similar words?
“Possible” is general, while words like “feasible” and “achievable” are more specific.
Conclusion
Learning the word possible and its synonyms can greatly improve English vocabulary. These words help writers and speakers express ideas clearly and avoid repeating the same word again and again. They also make communication more natural and professional.
Understanding pronunciation, meaning, tone, and usage gives learners more confidence in speaking and writing English. Synonyms such as “feasible,” “achievable,” and “likely” are useful in daily conversations, business writing, and academic work.
Practice using one new synonym each day in sentences and conversations. Small vocabulary habits can create big improvements in English fluency and confidence.
I am a linguist with 17 years of experience in English language teaching, including postgraduate-level instruction. My expertise includes English grammar, and I contribute as a content and blog writer, producing scholarly and educational language resources.
