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 However, the Legislature had just spent a decade trying to undo California’s over-incarceration of Black and brown people, and wasn’t interested in new laws that would potentially target those very folks. — Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 In the bond market, though, worries remained about inflation potentially remaining high for years. — Stan Choe, Fortune, 31 July 2026 Another player under contract but who could potentially become available later this offseason is Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 Generic drugs could face an import tax of 100 percent or more, potentially doubling their prices. — Matthew Lynn, Washington Post, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for potentially

Recent Examples of Synonyms for potentially

Adverb

This would be a well-below-normal season, and certainly a welcome one for coastal residents in the United States from South Texas to Florida to Maine.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 5 Aug. 2026
Bringing in the Frenchman would certainly be a statement signing, and significantly boost an attacking line that is depleted following the exit of Mohamed Salah and the long-term loss of Hugo Ekitike to injury.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of certainly

Adverb

Gavin John Slowly but surely, every building in Fort Albany saw a strand of fiber drop from overhead and come through a box drilled into the wall, ready to connect to a router.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 30 July 2026
Trump would surely claim that the statute of limitations on his criminal charges has expired.

— Chris Brennan, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Definition of surely

Adverb

Central Washington will likely see even stronger winds, with gusts up to 35 mph possible starting Friday.

— Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Other, more recent ownership groups in Atlanta, New York and Miami would likely be in favor as well, as would clubs like the LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls.

— John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of likely

Adverb

All told, the Falcons made it through the first week of training camp with no major injuries and several other players trending positively in their recoveries.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Leaders need to remember how the workplace impacts people emotionally and lead accordingly - positively influencing their storied experience.

— Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 31 July 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 6 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of potentially

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on potentially

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

torpor

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

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

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

How long is a jiffy?

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

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes