perhaps

adverb

per·haps | \ pər-ˈhaps

How to pronounce perhaps (audio)

, ˈpraps \

Definition of perhaps

(Entry 1 of 2)

: possibly but not certainly : maybe

perhaps

noun

Definition of perhaps (Entry 2 of 2)

: something open to doubt or conjecture

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about perhaps

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Synonyms for perhaps

Synonyms: Adverb

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 company’s shares fell 1% in early European trading Tuesday, perhaps a sign that shareholders don’t believe much can change under this setup. — Carol Ryan, WSJ, "Yogurt Giant Danone Posts an Unappetizing Job Ad," 2 Mar. 2021 Matthew Morrison played Glee Club director William Schuester on the series, a character who was a fatherly figure and leader…but also, perhaps, a little too invested in his students' lives. — Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, "Two Glee Actors Admit Some of the Cast ‘Hated’ the Show in This Viral Interview," 2 Mar. 2021 The return of Marcus Smart will greatly help the defense, stabilize the backcourt and perhaps send either Daniel Theis or Tristan Thompson back to the bench. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, "Celtics can make a run in the East, but everyone and everything needs to improve, especially the front office," 2 Mar. 2021 The Trojans’ only back-to-back road dates will take them to Tempe on Nov. 6 to face Arizona State, perhaps their stiffest divisional matchup, followed by Berkeley on Nov. 13 to face California. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, "Favorable 2021 football schedule could help Trojans contend for Pac-12 title and more," 2 Mar. 2021 In some ways the pressure is now off this team, so perhaps the Bulldogs can go back to winning games with its precise offense and suffocating team defense. — Joe Magill, cleveland, "For Hoban coach Pam Davis, Canton McKinley game isn’t personal; it’s more about personnel: Girls basketball regional preview," 2 Mar. 2021 There are few in recent years — or perhaps any year — that can compare to the Class 4A semistate game between Romeo Langford and New Albany and undefeated Warren Central on March 17, 2018. — IndyStar, "Seymour: When it comes to hosting big games, it has few peers," 2 Mar. 2021 The military began arresting dissidents at night, perhaps to avoid daytime spectacles that would attract international attention. — Doug Bock Clark, The New Yorker, "In Myanmar, A Digital-Savvy Nation Poses a New Challenge for the Military," 2 Mar. 2021 Archaeologists believe the cart was used for festivities and parades, perhaps also to carry brides to their new homes. — Colleen Barry, Anchorage Daily News, "Archaeologists find intact ceremonial chariot near Pompeii buried in ash for 2,000 years," 1 Mar. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perhaps.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

5 Mar 2021

Cite this Entry

“Perhaps.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perhaps. Accessed 8 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for perhaps

perhaps

adverb

English Language Learners Definition of perhaps

: possibly but not certainly

See the full definition for perhaps in the English Language Learners Dictionary

perhaps

adverb

per·haps | \ pər-ˈhaps

\

Kids Definition of perhaps

: possibly but not certainly : maybe Perhaps we'll go.

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