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 In a potentially troublesome sign for the future, analysts have noted that while tech earnings remain strong, many of their potential clients are struggling, with borrowing weak and non-AI investment falling. — semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026 Castro assumes his role at a time of uncertainty for the 2027 baseball season, with a lockout looking increasingly likely and the annual Winter Meetings in December potentially subject to cancellation. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026 Democrats' takeover of Congress in the midterm elections could reshape efforts to regulate cryptocurrency, potentially bringing stronger investor protections while slowing legislation favored by the industry. — Mike Winters, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026 While wiretapping lower-profile targets could potentially be used for intimidation or to gain political leverage, the same explanation would be difficult to apply in this case, Rukminto said. — ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for potentially

Recent Examples of Synonyms for potentially

Adverb

That certainly tells the story of our frustration in the position.

— Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
With almost nothing else to talk about, however, the Vicki-versus-Carmella drama will almost certainly make up the bulk of the reunion, which premieres on Thursday and has been limited (rather tellingly) to two parts.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of certainly

Adverb

Both camps are chasing an 11-member board majority, though a handful of candidates don’t align clearly with either side.

— Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran had clearly communicated its demands.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of clearly

Adverb

Paxton could still win, but the race undoubtedly opens up a shocking vulnerability in Republicans’ red wall.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
At its core, and undoubtedly the most bustling area of Polofest throughout the weekend, was a central room made to resemble Ralph Lauren stores around the world, but with a catch.

— Zachary Weiss, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of undoubtedly

Adverb

The House seems almost surely headed for a Democratic handover — the party needs to flip only three seats, and well over a dozen Republican seats are in polling trouble.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2026
The Eilish cameo will surely outweigh all other highlights in the popular vote that is (for once, picture-less) social media.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 1 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

The company also used non-compete agreements restricting employees from joining rivals for two years, as part of their employment contracts, with senior employees holding valuable technical expertise likely facing closer scrutiny.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
But with the House majority likely padded by redder territory this cycle, Democrats will face fierce internal resistance to progressive policy ideas like Medicare for All.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of likely

Adverb

While Musk is overwhelmingly viewed positively by MAGA Republicans, those numbers dip for non-MAGA GOP voters and plummet for independent and Democratic voters.

— Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
One-third of consumers don’t like it when brands use AI and another third of those surveyed said the use of AI could positively influence their purchasing decisions.

— Evan Clark, Footwear News, 5 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 8 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of potentially

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

cockamamie

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

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

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

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

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

The Words of the Week - Nov. 6

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

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