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maybe

1 of 2

adverb

may·​be ˈmā-bē How to pronounce maybe (audio)
also ˈme-

maybe

2 of 2

noun

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
Other countries around the world are taking notes as Australia explores new territory that some say mirrors safety evolutions of years past – the dawning realization that maybe cars need safety belts, and that perhaps cigarettes should come with some kind of health warning. Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 29 Nov. 2025 Shop all your favorite K-beauty picks—and maybe discover something new—with savings up to 40% off on beauty faves, skincare must-haves, and more, with Soko Glam’s exciting Black Friday deals. Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 29 Nov. 2025
Noun
But a sleight of hand is at work; the maybes of one chapter become the assumptions of the next, and at times contrary evidence is entirely ignored. Isaac Butler, The Atlantic, 3 Nov. 2025 But that's a lot of maybes in what, at the heart of it, is a pretty straightforward test. Chris Haslam, Wired News, 30 Sep. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maybe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maybe. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

maybe

adverb
may·​be
ˈmā-bē
ˈmeb-ē

More from Merriam-Webster on maybe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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