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
In the span of three weeks, the Red Sox went from an almost certainty to trade Aroldis Chapman, Sonny Gray and maybe Willson Contreras to now looking like clear buyers. — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 24 July 2026 Thrillz Atlanta is sure to give your kids (and maybe you, too) a hit of adrenaline. — Cassidy Alexander, AJC.com, 24 July 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

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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 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

maybe

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

More from Merriam-Webster on maybe

Nglish: Translation of maybe for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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