possibly

adverb

pos·​si·​bly ˈpä-sə-blē How to pronounce possibly (audio)
Synonyms of possiblynext
1
: in a possible manner : by any possibility
that's all she could possibly do
2
: by merest chance : perhaps
possibly he will recover
3
: it is possible or imaginable : conceivably
… a political libel which may possibly damage me.—G. B. Shaw

Synonyms of possibly

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Examples of possibly in a Sentence

he may possibly recover after such a serious mistake, but it doesn't seem likely
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Its north-of-the-Vindhyas offerings– such as the raan and the dal makhani – are possibly the best that Chennai has to offer. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026 Vibrations from earth-moving equipment could have triggered further collapses, possibly dooming Gil — and his would-be rescuers. — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026 This is quite possibly the moodiest episode of the series, or the entire Game of Thrones Extended Universe. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026 Police said the vehicle was last seen possibly traveling east on Newport Avenue at a high rate of speed before entering southbound Interstate 5. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for possibly

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of possibly was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing possibly

Rhymes for possibly

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Browse Nearby Words

possibleness
possibly
possie
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Cite this Entry

“Possibly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/possibly. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

possibly

adverb
pos·​si·​bly ˈpäs-ə-blē How to pronounce possibly (audio)
1
: by possible means : by any possibility
that cannot possibly be true
2
: perhaps
may possibly recover

More from Merriam-Webster on possibly

Nglish: Translation of possibly for Spanish Speakers

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