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Showing results for could. Search instead for coulds.
Definitions

could

[kood, kuhd] / kʊd, kəd /
VERB
preserve fruit, vegetable
Synonyms
STRONGEST
keep
STRONG
bottle
WEAK
put up
Antonyms
WEAK
cannot employ hire
VERB
be able
Synonyms
STRONGEST
commit manage take care of
STRONG
may
WEAK
be capable of be equal to be up to be within one's area be within one's control can do could cut the mustard have it made lie in one's power make it make out make the grade
Antonyms
WEAK
cannot employ hire
VERB
fire from job
Synonyms
STRONG
ax boot bounce cashier discharge dismiss expel sack terminate
WEAK
give the heave ho kick out let go
Antonyms
STRONG
allow employ engage hire hold keep permit welcome
WEAK
cannot

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Athletic Club could field teams of one-club players past and present, but they only give the award to retired players from other clubs.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

At a local restaurant visited by AFP recently, customers during the lunch rush could be seen checking on the latest war updates on their phones in between bites of rice and meat.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O’Leary warned that the airline industry could face jet-fuel shortfalls by May.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

I controlled what I felt like I could control.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

You know I could just ask her if she likes you?”

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.