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

That, and the new wave of tariffs, brings fresh uncertainty to global trade again and poses potentially higher prices as importers deal with potentially higher levies. — Christine Romans, NBC news, 25 July 2026

These questions – not to mention the loss of former coach Mike McDaniel, who’s run scheme in 2025 was nothing short of wizardry – could potentially make or break the Dolphins. — Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

This project, scientists hope, could even potentially revive a wild species revered by local Tibetans as a favorite of the land god. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 25 July 2026

Although the controversial rebranding campaign depicted a sleek coupe, the production car will be a four-door luxury electric sedan that potentially overlaps the premium BEV space occupied by the Range Rover GT. — James Morris, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for potentially

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