perhaps

1 of 2

adverb

per·​haps pər-ˈhaps 

ˈpraps

: possibly but not certainly : maybe

perhaps

2 of 2

noun

: something open to doubt or conjecture

Synonyms of perhaps

Adverb

• maybe
• possibly
• probably

Examples of perhaps in a Sentence

Adverb

perhaps we will not have to take this exam, but I doubt it

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

The league could perhaps benefit from such messaging in its stadiums and on its helmets because DUI arrests or other traffic incidents involving NFL people are not uncommon. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026

This $6 high-neck tank is a layering staple (under a polka-dot cardigan, perhaps), while this chambray button-down is practically begging to be worn at the pumpkin patch. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026

Monetary policy appears to have been slow to respond, late — and therefore (perhaps) unsound. — George Calhoun, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

Counterintuitively, perhaps, this is where some of the most joyful-sounding material is found too. — Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

per + hap

First Known Use

Adverb

circa 1520, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1643, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for perhaps

• bitmaps
• bootstraps
• collapse
• elapse
• mishaps
• prolapse
• relapse
• satraps
• wiretaps
• apps
• caps
• chaps

Kids Definition

perhaps

adverb

per·​haps

pər-ˈ(h)aps, 

ˈpraps

: possibly but not certainly

Etymology

Adverb

from per (preposition) "by, according to" and haps, plural of hap "chance, chance occurrence" — related to happen, happy, mishap