maybe

1 of 2

adverb

may·​be ˈmā-bē How to pronounce maybe (audio)
also ˈme-
Synonyms of maybenext
: perhaps

maybe

2 of 2

noun

: uncertainty

Synonyms of maybe

Relevance

Adverb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of maybe in a Sentence

Adverb maybe we can make it to the concert, if we hurry
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.
Adverb
The defense has exceeded expectations and continues to cement itself as a top-20, maybe even a top-15 defense, while the offense remains a disappointment, even after beating the Bears (4-2, 2-1). — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026 The robot has been OK on totals this season (4-3), so maybe this is a smart move. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
That’s another $263 million for three maybes. — Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2026 That's still one too many maybes when $50 million is at stake. — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for maybe

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of maybe was in the 15th century

Rhymes for maybe

See All Rhymes for maybe

Browse Nearby Words

May basket
maybe
may beetle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maybe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maybe. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

maybe

adverb
may·​be
ˈmā-bē, 
ˈmeb-ē
: perhaps
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