possibly

adverb

pos·​si·​bly ˈpä-sə-blē How to pronounce possibly (audio)
1
: in a possible manner : by any possibility
that's all she could possibly do
2
: by merest chance : perhaps
possibly he will recover
3
: it is possible or imaginable : conceivably
a political libel which may possibly damage meG. B. Shaw

Examples of possibly in a Sentence

he may possibly recover after such a serious mistake, but it doesn't seem likely
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Igloo is recalling an additional 130,000 rolling coolers sold at Costco, Target and Dick's Sporting Goods because the handle can pinch – and possibly amputate – fingertips, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Mike Snider, USA Today, 19 May 2025 At last month’s meeting of, the committee discussed a recommendation focused on older adults, those with weakened immune systems and possibly those who are more likely to be exposed to the coronavirus. Katherine Dillinger, CNN Money, 18 May 2025 In his first 100 days, Mr. Trump signed more executive orders than any other modern president, part of a strategy to make changes at such velocity that people could not possibly pay attention to all of them. Ruth Igielnik, New York Times, 18 May 2025 Silverman smiles for a second, possibly remembering her own tragedy-plus-time childhood featuring her father’s philandering, her bed-wetting, and a brother who died before she was born. Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for possibly

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of possibly was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Possibly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/possibly. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

possibly

adverb
pos·​si·​bly ˈpäs-ə-blē How to pronounce possibly (audio)
1
: by possible means : by any possibility
that cannot possibly be true
2
: perhaps
may possibly recover

More from Merriam-Webster on possibly

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