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

If Dante Fabbro doesn’t re-sign with Columbus, Andersson could potentially get a look on the top pair with Zach Werenski. —Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 22 June 2025

Yes, Jon, look, there is no question this morning this is absolutely the largest and potentially most dangerous risk and gamble of Trump's presidency. —ABC News, 22 June 2025

Make a similar deal for Heat and the Heat potentially not only drop out of the play-in tier but potentially also behind lottery teams in the East. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025

These seemingly innocuous actions can kindle dry grass, potentially triggering a wildfire. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for potentially

• essentially
• confidentially
• exponentially
• inferentially
• experientially