maybe

1 of 2

adverb

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

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
The Queen Who Never Was is foundering; its captain is missing or maybe dead. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026 Kramer even described Hilton as a, maybe even the, pioneer among creators, those people previously known as influencers. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maybe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maybe. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

maybe

adverb
may·​be
ˈmā-bē
ˈmeb-ē

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