possibilities
8 synonyms for possibilities, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Things that might happen, or courses of action that could be taken.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
options
alternatives
choices
scenarios
prospects
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
Things that might happen, or courses of action that could be taken.
“We narrowed it down to three possibilities before lunch.”
options
alternatives
choices
scenarios
prospects
How to use possibilities
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
endless possibilities
explore the possibilities
rule out possibilities
open up new possibilities
a world of possibilities
Neutral and everyday.
Etymology
Plural of possibility, from Latin possibilis meaning 'able to be done', from posse meaning 'to be able'.
Full origin of possibilities →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between possibilities and probabilities?
Possibilities are the outcomes that could occur at all, regardless of how unlikely. Probabilities measure how likely each of those outcomes is, usually as a number between 0 and 1. Every probability starts as a possibility, but most possibilities have very low probabilities.
What is the difference between possibilities and opportunities?
A possibility is simply something that could happen, good or bad. An opportunity is a possibility that would benefit you and that is open to you now, which is why it usually comes with a sense that it should be taken before it closes.
Is it 'possibility of' or 'possibility to'?
Standard English uses 'the possibility of' plus a noun or -ing form: 'the possibility of rain', 'the possibility of losing'. 'Possibility to do something' is a common learner error; use 'the chance to' or 'the opportunity to' instead.
