possibly

adverb

pos·​si·​bly ˈpä-sə-blē How to pronounce possibly (audio)
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 meG. B. Shaw

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.
Cooking sense: likely from Middle English basten, possibly influenced by similar Old French roots, referring to moistening meat with fat or juices during roasting. Erik Kain, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 At École Pointe-au-Chien, the focus is on teaching local French dialects first, an approach the school's founders believe is unique in the state and possibly the country. Aubri Juhasz, NPR, 19 Mar. 2025 Chinese officials emphasize, in an apparent reference to Trump’s foreign aid cuts, that China will continue and possibly increase its development assistance to about 150 countries under its Belt and Road initiative. Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 19 Mar. 2025 Moody will have a greater role as a result of Freedman’s departure, possibly working primarily alongside Parish for the foreseeable future, and may be offered a permanent position at the club. Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Possibly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/possibly. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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

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