POTENTIALLY Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

potentially

adverb

Definition of potentially

as in certainly

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of potentially The risk of serious illness for most people is low, but some individuals can develop serious neurologic illnesses, such as encephalitis or meningitis, which are potentially fatal. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026 The scale of the potentially improper loans could be quite significant, with some reports putting it at $16 billion and others at $20 billion. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026 What might be good health advice for your cousin might be unhelpful or potentially harmful for you. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Experts suggest Stellantis must consolidate its brands, focusing on Jeep, Ram, Peugeot, and Fiat, and potentially divest others like Maserati. — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for potentially

Recent Examples of Synonyms for potentially

Adverb

The young Moroccan caught the eye at the World Cup and certainly has the potential to become one of the best deep-lying midfielders in the game.

— Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Over the past several years, South Korea has emerged as a world-class military power – not quite on the level of the US or China, but certainly capable of defending itself against North Korea.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of certainly

Adverb

The first two episodes of this season served as a kind of warm-up, catching us up with Ted and introducing us to the new team, but that’s clearly over.

— Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026
Arteta is clearly skilled at fostering a sense of togetherness and unity among the squad.

— James McNicholas, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of clearly

Adverb

Two of their best relievers surely would have helped, but each was used so much during the summer win streak that elbow soreness sidelined them.

— Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
The neighborhood Just moments from Lamb’s Conduit Street and directly behind the British Museum, the location is surely hard to beat for those seeking a truly London experience.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of surely

Adverb

That ability is probably there for just about every retailer, even the tiniest ones, according to Linda Toth, executive director of Conexxus, an industry technology group that supports convenience stores and gas stations.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
Tottenham are probably still well set defensively, even after the two high-profile departures this week.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of probably

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“Potentially.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potentially. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of potentially

adverb

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