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

There's a lot to prove to the world and perhaps even himself. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Although perhaps in your co-worker’s case, the latter may have been warranted. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 3 July 2026

At perhaps one of Canada’s most iconic destinations, the men’s national team’s run has left an impression. — Shelby Blackley, New York Times, 4 July 2026

And Addy, perhaps the most brutal American Girl story, is enslaved. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 3 July 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