POTENTIALLY Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

potentially

adverb

Definition of potentially

as in certainly

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 Should Seoul move in that direction, Tokyo would almost certainly reconsider its own nonnuclear status, potentially igniting a nuclear arms race in Asia. — Stephen E. Biegun, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2026 The report identified at least 8,500 existing large bridges and culverts beneath California state highways that could potentially accommodate wildlife. — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2026 Thomas Katsouleas, who served as UConn president from 2019 to 2021, had raised concerns about potentially offering the presidency to Ritter without a public search if Maric’s contract was not renewed. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 11 Nov. 2026 The feed was blasted as being an obvious rip-off the moment it was announced, and a blatant attempt to cash in on the president’s potentially consequential ramblings. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 11 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for potentially

Recent Examples of Synonyms for potentially

Adverb

That sentiment has certainly resonated with the Concord community, a family-friendly Charlotte suburb where the restaurant has taken off.

— Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026
Middle Eastern oil transits certainly haven’t returned to normal.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of certainly

Adverb

After multiple attempts to press forward, the message of the direction of the school was received very clearly.

— Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
The switch to McCarthy has clearly impacted his targets and yardage, but in their Week 5 tie against Washington, Likely was virtually uncoverable against the Commanders’ linebackers and secondary.

— Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of clearly

Adverb

The trajectory will undoubtedly change if Skubal joins the mix.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 12 Nov. 2026
McCord will rely on a run game that will undoubtedly face a lot of eight-man fronts, a strategy that has worked for opponents in the past two games.

— Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of undoubtedly

Adverb

There was definitely a learning curve, particularly understanding the technical aspects of footwear manufacturing, tooling, materials, and production.

— Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 13 Nov. 2026
This idea of playing the awards game as a studio is definitely a theme explored throughout the season.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of definitely

Adverb

Designed in the nineteen-sixties to bring high-quality brewing to Scandinavian homes, the red, orange, yellow, and green machines are surely intended as an antidote to the monochromatic, dark Nordic winters.

— Nicholas Blechman, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2026
The world is still unpacking it all, but rest assured, Congressional hearings are surely coming.

— Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of surely

Adverb

Even after Cope clanked both, rookie coach Eric Laut – an assistant at Utah State under Jerrod Calhoun the past two seasons – could have probably iced it by having the Texans team intentionally foul USD.

— Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
But with Great America’s latest corporate owner, Six Flags, struggling financially after its merger with Cedar Fair, there have been clear signs that the park probably was going to close sooner rather than later.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of probably

Adverb

Right-hander Javier Assad still has an option year left, likely putting him in a depth/swing role again.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
Investigators determined that the encounter likely involved predatory behavior, although officials did not elaborate on how the attack unfolded.

— Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of likely

Adverb

The film world premiered positively at Sundance and was set to have its international launch in Doha.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 12 Nov. 2026
Though it’s been received positively by many, some groups argue that the ordinance doesn’t fix major gaps that hinder street vendors.

— Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of positively

Browse Nearby Words

potentiality

potentially

potentials

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Potentially.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potentially. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of potentially

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

boilerplate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Nov. 13

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes