possible

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90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 words in speech and writing.These words appear in red, and are graded with stars. One-star words are frequent, two-star words are morefrequent, and three-star words are the most frequent.

Thesaurus

The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary entries. Click on the T button in an entry to review the synonyms and related words for that meaning.

adjective

/ˈpɒsəb(ə)l/

Related thesaurus entries

1
if something is possible, it can be done
The task will not be possible without access to the Internet.
it is possible to do something:
It is possible to see as far as Corsica on a clear day.
make something possible:
a new technique that made it possible to perform this operation
if (at all) possible:
We need to avoid delay if at all possible.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of possible
1. a.
  something that is possible might happen in the future
  A guilty verdict is always possible.
  possible (that):
  It is perfectly possible that humans might one day live on other planets.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of possible
2. b.
  likely or suitable in a particular situation or for a particular purpose
  a possible explanation
  a possible site for the new school building
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of possible
Collocations: possible
▪ always, entirely, perfectly, quite
2
considered capable of happening, existing, being done, or being true, but not very likely
possible (that):
I suppose it’s just possible she didn’t know, but I’m sure I told her.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of possible
3
used with a superlative for emphasizing that something has the most or least of a particular quality
He arrived at the worst possible time.
Deb scored the highest score possible on the test.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of possible

phrases

as soon/quickly/much etc as possible
as soon, as quickly, as much etc as you can
Get as much information as possible.
Hold your breath for as long as possible.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of possible
is it/would it be possible?
spoken
used for asking politely if you can do something or have something
Would it be possible to have a look at your newspaper?
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of possible
when/whenever/where/wherever possible
when or where you have an opportunity to do something
I relax with a good book whenever possible.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of possible

This is the British English definition of possible. View American English definition of possible.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

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