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.
The eastward shift increased the chances of hurricane-force wind gusts on Niihau and possibly Kauai, especially at higher elevations, the hurricane center warned. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026 Wright, a tax accountant from Seattle, has been looking to take a trip with friends to Europe in November, possibly to Malta or Madeira. — Marnie Hunter, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026 As the trend scales, expect a wave of clinician response videos and possibly product warnings from foot-care brands. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2026 So what can possibly feel better and safer than the warm blanket that is female camaraderie, the allyship of fellow women who know exactly what Ricki is going through? — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 5 Sep. 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 7 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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