possible

Able to happen or be done, even if it is not certain.

• Anything is possible.
• Snow is possible tonight.
• Is it possible that we took the wrong road?

How to use it: it is possible that… (It is possible that the train will be late.); it is possible to do something (It is possible to book online.)

Similar words: futurable

Opposites: impossible

Common phrases: possible outcome, possible risk, entirely possible, make something possible

Suitable as one choice or answer among others.

• Monday is one possible date.
• We discussed several possible solutions.
• Which of these possible answers fits the question?

Similar words: acceptable, viable

Opposites: unacceptable

Common phrases: possible solution, possible answer, possible option

Being considered for a job, role, or other choice.

• She is a possible replacement.
• They interviewed three possible candidates for the job.
• Is he still possible for the manager’s position?

How to use it: possible for a role/position (Two applicants are still possible for the role.)

Similar words: potential, prospective

Common phrases: possible candidate, possible replacement, possible successor

Seeming reasonable enough to be true.

• That sounds perfectly possible.
• A loose wire is a possible explanation for the noise.
• Her account seems possible, given what we know.

Similar words: plausible, credible

Opposites: implausible

Common phrases: possible explanation, possible theory, perfectly possible