potentially

adverb

po·​ten·​tial·​ly pə-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)lē 

: in a potential or possible state or condition

—used to describe the possible results or effects of something

a potentially dangerous situation [=a situation that has the potential to be or become dangerous]

a potentially useful feature

By creating a personal home page, anyone can publish material that potentially can be read by millions of people worldwide.

—Peter H. Lewis

The phenomenon seemed significant for both the science of immunology and, potentially, for medicine.

—Daniel J. Kevles

Potentially adding to the cost of the bail-out is the prevailing FDIC notion that some banks are simply too big to fail.

—L. J. Davis

The result, they say, is that children are less compelled to play outside, potentially stunting emotional and physical development and exacerbating a nationwide epidemic of childhood obesity.

—Sumathi Reddy

Examples of potentially in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The complications of change In China, divorce could also potentially trigger examination from officials. — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026

Following her impressive performance, Shields immediately set her sights on an undisputed clash with undefeated IBF and WBO welterweight champion Lauren Price, potentially at 154 pounds, opening doors for other high-profile bouts. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Complicating matters, anything said in federal court — including Mangione's statements Friday admitting to killing Thompson — potentially could be used against him in state court, or vice versa. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

That could include smaller firms, venture capital backed startups, and companies looking to get in on potentially lucrative government contracts. — Henry Larson, NPR, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for potentially

• essentially
• circumferentially
• experientially
• confidentially
• exponentially
• inferentially