Synonyms for Possible

Updated 2026-10-03 · Synonyms List editorial team

Quick answer: You are looking for synonyms for possible to describe things that can happen or exist. This list provides the closest alternatives, formal options for professional writing, and casual words for everyday conversation. Find the perfect match for your tone and context.

Closest Synonyms for Possible

feasible: Practical to do; The plan is feasible within the budget.
plausible: Seems reasonable; Her excuse was plausible enough to buy.
achievable: Can be reached; The goal is achievable with effort.
viable: Capable of working; This is a viable option for lunch.
probable: Likely to occur; Rain is probable this afternoon.
potential: Having capacity; We see potential in this project.
attainable: Can be obtained; Success is attainable for everyone.
workable: Able to be used; Is this a workable solution?
credible: Believable; The story lacks credible details.
reasonable: Fair or sensible; It is reasonable to assume he is late.
tenable: Defensible; His argument is no longer tenable.
permissible: Allowed by rules; Smoking is not permissible here.

Formal Synonyms for Possible

conceivable: Can be imagined; It is conceivable that he forgot.
imaginable: Can be pictured; The worst imaginable scenario occurred.
admissible: Accepted as valid; This evidence is admissible in court.
practicable: Can be done effectively; The route is practable for trucks.
sanctioned: Officially permitted; Only sanctioned methods may be used.
authorizable: Can be authorized; The expense is authorizable by the director.
eligible: Qualified for something; You are eligible for the grant.
acceptable: Meets standards; The results are acceptable for now.
countenanced: Tolerated or approved; Such behavior is not countenanced.
valid: Logically sound; Your point is valid and important.

Informal Synonyms for Possible

doable: Can be done; The task is doable by Friday.
likely: Probably true; It is likely to rain soon.
realistic: Grounded in fact; Be realistic about your goals.
chance: Small probability; There is a chance we will win.
open: Available to choose; The position is open now.
up in the air: Not decided; Plans are still up in the air.
on the table: Being considered; All options are on the table.
in the cards: Destined to happen; Victory is in the cards for us.
a go: Approved to proceed; The project is a go tomorrow.

Stronger and Weaker Words

certain: Stronger; Use when the outcome is guaranteed.
inevitable: Stronger; Use when something must happen.
definite: Stronger; Use for fixed plans or facts.
sure: Stronger; Use to express high confidence.
unlikely: Weaker; Use when chance is low.
doubtful: Weaker; Use when you are skeptical.
improbable: Weaker; Use for remote possibilities.
slim: Weaker; Use to describe small chances.

Antonyms for Possible

impossible
unfeasible
unachievable
unattainable
unviable
illogical
absurd
prohibited
forbidden

How to Pick the Right Synonym

Choosing the right synonym depends on context and tone. Use formal words like feasible or admissible in professional documents. Casual options like doable or likely fit everyday speech. Consider the probability: probable suggests high chance, while conceivable allows for doubt. Always match the word to your audience and intent.

Best Synonym by Situation

in a formal report: feasible: The committee determined that the proposed budget was feasible within the current fiscal constraints.
when expressing uncertainty: plausible: Her explanation for the missing documents seemed plausible, though no evidence supported it.
in casual conversation: doable: If we start early, finishing the project by Friday is totally doable.
in a legal context: permissible: Smoking in this building is not permissible under the new health regulations.
when discussing future plans: potential: The candidate has the potential to become a leader in the industry.
in scientific writing: viable: Only three of the five samples remained viable after the heating process.
when giving advice: advisable: It is advisable to back up your data before installing the update.
in a job interview: attainable: My five-year goal is to reach a management position, which I believe is attainable with hard work.
when describing a probability: probable: Based on the weather forecast, rain is the probable outcome this afternoon.
in a creative writing piece: imaginable: The landscape was so alien that it defied anything previously imaginable.

Example Sentences

It is conceivable that the store will open early on weekends to accommodate more shoppers.
The engineer confirmed that the design was workable and could withstand the expected pressure.
We are exploring alternative routes in case the main highway becomes impassable.
Her theory about the origin of the artifact remains tenable despite the lack of concrete proof.
The new policy allows for flexible hours, making it easier for parents to manage their schedules.
It is incumbent upon the team to address these issues before the product launch.
The detective found the suspect's alibi to be dubious and required further investigation.
With the right tools, repairing the fence is a manageable task for one person.
The judge ruled that the contract was binding and enforceable in court.
It is unthinkable to some that such a small community could produce such a large festival.

Related Phrases and Idioms

a shot in the dark: a guess made without any supporting evidence or information
by a long shot: only with a small chance of success or probability
on the cards: likely to happen or expected to occur in the future
in the realm of possibility: capable of happening or being true, even if unlikely
a long way off: not likely to happen soon or requiring a long time to achieve
within reach: achievable or obtainable with current resources or effort

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest synonym for possible?

Feasible is often the closest match, implying something can be done practically. It works well in business and planning contexts where actionability matters more than mere existence or theoretical chance.

When should I use plausible instead of possible?

Use plausible when you want to suggest that something seems reasonable or believable, even if not proven. It adds a layer of credibility or logical consistency that possible does not inherently convey.

Are possible and probable the same thing?

No, probable implies a higher likelihood of occurring. Possible means something can happen, but probable suggests it likely will. Use probable when evidence or trends point toward a specific outcome.

What is a formal way to say possible?

Conceivable or admissible are strong formal alternatives. Conceivable focuses on what can be imagined or understood, while admissible refers to what is allowed or accepted within specific rules or legal frameworks.