potentially

adverb

po·​ten·​tial·​ly pə-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)lē How to pronounce potentially (audio)
: in a potential or possible state or condition
used to describe the possible results or effects of something
a potentially dangerous situation [=a situation that has the potential to be or become dangerous]
a potentially useful feature
By creating a personal home page, anyone can publish material that potentially can be read by millions of people worldwide.Peter H. Lewis
The phenomenon seemed significant for both the science of immunology and, potentially, for medicine.Daniel J. Kevles
Potentially adding to the cost of the bail-out is the prevailing FDIC notion that some banks are simply too big to fail.L. J. Davis
The result, they say, is that children are less compelled to play outside, potentially stunting emotional and physical development and exacerbating a nationwide epidemic of childhood obesity.Sumathi Reddy

Examples of potentially in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Hollywood Reporter connected with Sawai to discuss her deep immersion into the character and world of Lady Mariko — and her thoughts on how Shōgun could potentially get a second season. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2024 That extended roster includes Dinah (Leslie Bibb), who is hiding her own potentially exploitable secrets. Brian Lowry, CNN, 19 Mar. 2024 The danger was obvious in 2021, when ransomware gangs struck hospitals already overwhelmed by the covid-19 pandemic, forcing some to divert incoming emergency patients to other facilities and potentially contributing to deadly treatment delays. Joseph Menn, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2024 The campaign will also match up to $500,000 that the nonprofits raise themselves, meaning each potentially could end up with $1.5 million to start an endowment. Thalia Beaty, Quartz, 19 Mar. 2024 Acing the interview can lead to positive word-of-mouth, potentially opening doors for future opportunities. Ebony Flake, Essence, 19 Mar. 2024 To that end, Mehdi Kadiri, head of North America at Henley & Partners, says the dramatic increase in wealthy Americans seeking a visa or second citizenship portends potentially bigger problems in the U.S. Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2024 One day, Thomas’ quiet life is upended when his research finds potentially fatal bacteria in the public baths, which draw flocks of tourists for their medicinal properties. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2024 The use of first person was seen as not only liberating but also potentially more honest. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'potentially.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of potentially was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near potentially

Cite this Entry

“Potentially.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potentially. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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