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Synonyms

possibly

American  
[pos-uh-blee] / ˈpɒs ə bli /

adverb

  1. perhaps; maybe.

    It may possibly rain today.

  2. in a possible manner.

    She has all the money she can possibly use.

  3. by any possibility.

    Could you possibly check this information for me?


possibly British  
/ ˈpɒsɪblɪ /
    1. perhaps or maybe

    2. ( as sentence modifier )

      possibly he'll come

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adverb

  1. by any chance; at all

    he can't possibly come

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of possibly

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; possible + -ly


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

It doesn’t capture the fact that your reader and your viewer and your listener are shocked and possibly outraged and really struggling with what’s going on.

From Salon ● Nov. 2, 2026

"We've now given him the absolute best chance that we could possibly have in the world of medical science," she said.

From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026

They likely relate to increasing competition over land, resources, and possibly control of movement through the landscape, rather than to “invaders”.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 31, 2026

But experts are hopeful that at least some of California’s first sea turtles will go the distance — and possibly return.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2026

“What in the world could possibly have changed your mind this morning?”

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

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