possibility
10 synonyms and 2 antonyms for possibility, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The chance that something might happen or be true.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use possibility
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin possibilitas, related to possibilis ("possible").
Full origin of possibility →Frequently asked questions
What does “possibility” mean?
The word “possibility” means the chance that something might happen or be true. In plain terms, the chance that something could happen.
How do you pronounce “possibility”?
“Possibility” is pronounced pos-ih-BIHL-ih-tee (/ˌpɑ.səˈbɪl.ə.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “possibility” in a sentence?
Here is “possibility” used in a sentence: “There's a possibility of rain later today.”
What is another word for “possibility”?
Words with a similar meaning to “possibility” include chance, contingency, contingent, eventuality and potentiality.
What is the opposite of “possibility”?
The opposite of “possibility” — its antonyms — are impossibility and sure thing.
What part of speech is “possibility”?
“Possibility” is a noun.
Where does the word “possibility” come from?
The word “possibility” comes from Latin. From Latin possibilitas, related to possibilis ("possible").
Is “possibility” a common word?
“Possibility” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between possibility and probability?
Possibility is about whether something can happen at all; probability is about how likely it is. If an event is possible, it is not ruled out. Probability goes further and measures the chance, often as a percentage or fraction. Rain tomorrow is a possibility; a 70 percent forecast is its probability.
What is the difference between possibility and opportunity?
A possibility is simply something that might happen or be true. An opportunity is a favorable possibility you can act on to your advantage, often time-limited. Rain is a possibility but not an opportunity. A job opening, by contrast, is an opportunity: a chance that invites you to do something about it.
What is the opposite of possibility?
The main opposite is impossibility, something that cannot happen or be true. Related opposites include certainty, at the other extreme, since a certainty leaves no doubt while a possibility stays open. Everyday antonyms also include improbability and unlikelihood, which describe chances so low they feel close to impossible.
What is an example of a possibility?
Saying 'there is a possibility of snow this weekend' means snow might come, though it is not guaranteed. Other examples: the possibility of finding a cheaper flight, the possibility that a plan could fail, or the possibility of life on other planets. Each names something that could happen, not something certain.