perhaps

1 of 2

adverb

per·​haps pər-ˈhaps How to pronounce perhaps (audio)
ˈpraps
Synonyms of perhapsnext
: possibly but not certainly : maybe

perhaps

2 of 2

noun

: something open to doubt or conjecture

Examples of perhaps in a Sentence

Adverb perhaps we will not have to take this exam, but I doubt it
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adverb
But perhaps for now, a bit of stability is exactly what’s needed. Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 At a typical research university, an undergraduate course like this would meet inside a lecture hall, perhaps with separate breakout sections for discussion led by graduate students. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026 What much of America doesn’t understand is that with trauma, layers and layers of trauma, can also eventually emerge self-awareness, insight, a free and open reliance on community, and, finally, perhaps a new, however strange-seeming, kind of reverence. Ed Bok Lee, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026 Maduro’s capture removed the Cuban government’s closest ally from power and severed its supply of fuel – perhaps permanently – from the oil rich South American nation. Patrick Oppmann, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perhaps

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

per + hap

First Known Use

Adverb

circa 1520, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1643, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perhaps was circa 1520

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Cite this Entry

“Perhaps.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perhaps. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

perhaps

adverb
per·​haps
pər-ˈ(h)aps
ˈpraps
: possibly but not certainly
Etymology

Adverb

from per (preposition) "by, according to" and haps, plural of hap "chance, chance occurrence" — related to happen, happy, mishap

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