potentially

adverb

po·​ten·​tial·​ly pə-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)lē 

: 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 combination of snow and strong winds is expected to reduce visibility, create slick and icy roads—particularly on bridges and overpasses—and potentially down trees or branches. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025

John Wiley, director of valuation analytics at classic car insurance company Hagerty, told the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, last week that the car could potentially sell for $800,000 to $1 million. —Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025

Applesauce can replace vegetable oil or eggs in baked goods, potentially lowering the fat content and avoiding egg allergens and the use of animal products. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2025

Consumer Reports has released the results of a recent investigation into the contents of a bubble tea (also referred to as boba tea) beverage, suggesting potentially concerning levels of lead. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for potentially

• essentially
• confidentially
• exponentially
• inferentially
• experientially