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 Gabelman said Phillps indicated the possibility of a larger dividend hike following an annual increase of 5% over the past two years. — CNBC, 16 Aug. 2026 The sentences will be served without the possibility of parole. — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026 Dragonfly, meanwhile, is targeted for a 2028 launch but if the mission is delayed, that provides more possibilities for late-mission additions. — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 16 Aug. 2026 Mercury conjoins Jupiter in Leo and your 11th House of Friends, Community, and Future Plans, making group conversations, networking, and collaboration feel full of possibility. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 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
  • Despite a recent controversy regarding his comments about Dodgers fans, Crow-Armstrong's dynamic play and the potential for a new MVP face could sway voters over Ohtani's two-way dominance.
    — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • But the climate pattern is just bringing the potential for more snow.
    — Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of potential
Noun
  • Hundreds of people with stereo systems, disco balls, tents, kegs and mattresses left huge amounts of trash, set off fireworks and used Tunitas Creek Beach as a bathroom during all-night events.
    — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • This week, Cuba commemorated Castro with events including the International Book Fair, art exhibitions, concerts and gatherings of delegates from leftist organizations across the continent.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of event
Noun
  • Top-100 shortstop prospect Seaver King is having a breakout season in Triple-A Rochester.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Since then, the prospect of double jeopardy has remained an open question that’s come up several times during open court proceedings and in filings.
    — Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of prospect
Noun
  • The outcome of this bellwether case is expected to significantly influence whether other states pursue similar legal actions against AI companies.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • For the 11-year-old Batisa, though, his immediate concern is not the disease which has killed more than 2,300 people among at least 5,000 cases.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of case
Noun
  • 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
  • Takeovers are at once a timeless illustration of the volatility of crowds—perhaps especially adolescent crowds—and of the much newer potentialities unleashed by the internet a few decades ago.
    — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
Definition of potentiality
Noun
  • What pre-season is for is establishing contingencies, testing out options, and building dynamics.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The Pentagon is already struggling to cover the Iran war from its existing accounts; Congress could refuse to add contingency funding for this or future conflicts.
    — Emma Ashford, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of contingency

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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 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on possibility

Nglish: Translation of possibility for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about possibility

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