: possibly but not certainly : maybe
: something open to doubt or conjecture
Synonyms
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
Elaine Sciolino, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Dec. 2023
The 16-day war that began on Oct. 6, 1973, with coordinated attacks on Israel by Egypt and Syria would confront Dr. Kissinger with perhaps the most severe tests of his career.
—Thomas W. Lippman, Washington Post, 30 Nov. 2023
This year’s Fortune Global Forum in Abu Dhabi took place at a moment—or perhaps in an era—of enormous uncertainty for business.
—Alan Murray, Fortune, 30 Nov. 2023
Kissinger Finds His New Boss Gerald Ford Has Fewer 'Hangups' Than Nixon
Revered by many as perhaps the most consequential secretary of state in U.S. history, Kissinger's record as a statesman is considerably mixed.
—Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 30 Nov. 2023
But, then, the romantic glory of revolution is perhaps the most distinct cultural accent left to us by the era and its Emperor.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 30 Nov. 2023
The Dude wears a number of memorable looks in the movie, but his chill attitude is perhaps best epitomized in his brown knitted fleece bathrobe and cotton Jockey t-shirt.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 29 Nov. 2023
But the music—the singing—has arguably been the anchor of her career, and perhaps her greatest gift to the world.
—Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 18 Nov. 2023
Online car sales are a big, though perhaps natural, progression of the always-on online marketplace.
—WIRED, 18 Nov. 2023
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Adverb
But nobody is more closely associated with Carrara than Michelangelo, perhaps the greatest sculptor ever to live.
—Elaine Sciolino, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Dec. 2023
The 16-day war that began on Oct. 6, 1973, with coordinated attacks on Israel by Egypt and Syria would confront Dr. Kissinger with perhaps the most severe tests of his career.
—Thomas W. Lippman, Washington Post, 30 Nov. 2023
This year’s Fortune Global Forum in Abu Dhabi took place at a moment—or perhaps in an era—of enormous uncertainty for business.
—Alan Murray, Fortune, 30 Nov. 2023
Kissinger Finds His New Boss Gerald Ford Has Fewer 'Hangups' Than Nixon
Revered by many as perhaps the most consequential secretary of state in U.S. history, Kissinger's record as a statesman is considerably mixed.
—Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 30 Nov. 2023
But, then, the romantic glory of revolution is perhaps the most distinct cultural accent left to us by the era and its Emperor.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 30 Nov. 2023
The Dude wears a number of memorable looks in the movie, but his chill attitude is perhaps best epitomized in his brown knitted fleece bathrobe and cotton Jockey t-shirt.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 29 Nov. 2023
But the music—the singing—has arguably been the anchor of her career, and perhaps her greatest gift to the world.
—Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 18 Nov. 2023
Online car sales are a big, though perhaps natural, progression of the always-on online marketplace.
—WIRED, 18 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perhaps.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Dictionary Entries Near perhaps
Cite this Entry
“Perhaps.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perhaps. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on perhaps
Nglish: Translation of perhaps for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of perhaps for Arabic Speakers
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