maybe

1 of 2

adverb

may·​be ˈmā-bē 

also ˈme-

: perhaps

maybe

2 of 2

noun

: uncertainty

Synonyms of maybe

Adverb

• perhaps
• possibly
• probably

Examples of maybe in a Sentence

Adverb

maybe we can make it to the concert, if we hurry

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

The briefing over, Andrew, about to turn away, paused for a second, perhaps to answer a question, maybe to shake the hand of the Afghan police chief standing next to him, maybe someone called out to him. — Ron Farina, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026

Mack was really good the next two seasons — maybe a tick shy of great — and then dealt with injuries in 2021. — Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 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

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1598, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for maybe

• baby

Kids Definition

maybe

adverb

may·​be

ˈmā-bē, 

ˈmeb-ē

: perhaps