potentially

adverb

Definition of potentiallynext
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 Dolphins plan to use him in a hybrid role, with snaps potentially at safety, inside linebacker and in the slot. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026 Rip currents will be widespread and very strong, potentially pulling swimmers and surfers out to sea. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026 The programs are vying for a diaspora that is potentially enormous, yet only 1,213 people received citizenship through the four initiatives from 2019 through 2026, according to the Migration Policy Institute. — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026 Advanced safety systems can help prevent or reduce the severity of some crashes, potentially leading to fewer or less expensive claims and lower insurance rates. — Mckynzie Steward, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for potentially
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potentially
  1. certainly
  2. clearly
  3. undoubtedly
  4. definitely
  5. surely
  6. probably
  7. likely
  8. positively
Adverb
  • Indeed, scientists believe that, regardless of whether 2026 breaks the record for hottest year ever, 2027 almost certainly will do so because of the El Niño conditions.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 10 Sep. 2026
  • When Washington plays at Philadelphia, Drew Stevens will almost certainly become the eighth.
    — Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of certainly
Adverb
  • Judging by the number of times one replaces the other during matches, manager Phil Parkinson clearly sees them as interchangeable.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The forest being the chasm between rich and poor that's clearly shown on that chart.
    — Paddy Hirsch, NPR, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of clearly
Adverb
  • Yes, the club has existed since 1881 and so has undoubtedly had more than two changes of style before.
    — Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • It's undoubtedly been an issue that has effected the black community more than any other in America.
    — Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of undoubtedly
Adverb
  • So offseason, one, and then spring training, definitely different.
    — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • But the late-night revelry definitely penetrated the walls of her hotel.
    — Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of definitely
Adverb
  • Duren just watched Thompson’s twin brother sign his extension with the Rockets and surely understands that his contract, or lack thereof, has an inevitable ripple effect on Thompson’s deal.
    — Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • That dichotomy surely reflected, consciously or not on Schubert’s part, the circumstances of his life and contradictions of his character.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of surely
Adverb
  • Eddie Hall, probably the UK’s most famous strongman, won the World’s Strongest Man title in 2017 and was the first to deadlift 500kg.
    — Rob Tanner, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • For example, everyone on the boat and probably innocent citizens in Dubrovnik can tell that Kat and Cooper are still an item.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of probably
Adverb
  • Such a result would likely create barriers to Trump's legislative agenda and send a signal about public opinion on the president's policy mix throughout his second presidential term.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
  • More likely she was hooked by the subliminal stirrings and emotional undertow of the music.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of likely
Adverb
  • While his fans were disappointed when his name was not included in the lineup announced on Good Morning America, the dancer responded positively when reacting to the news on Instagram.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Sticking with the weekly chart, here's another view showing how the recent comeback has started to positively influence SPOT's moving averages.
    — Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of positively

Browse Nearby Words

potentiality
potentially
potentials
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Cite this Entry

“Potentially.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potentially. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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