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

Stir constantly, adding small ladles of the cooking water, spoonfuls of creme fraiche, and perhaps more lemon zest, until the sauce emulsifies and thickens. — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Well, if Arsenal pursue their surprise interest in the 28-year-old centre-back, perhaps not. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026

Nothing's stopping you from following their OnlyFans page, although perhaps a few suspicious credit card bills. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026

Carey nailed her first three landings, only to bounce out of her final pass – a simple double back; perhaps, too easy for the three-time Olympic medalist. — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 8 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