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arguably

British  
/ ˈɑːɡjʊəblɪ /

adverb

  1. (sentence modifier) it can be argued that

"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

Explanation

Use the adverb arguably to describe something that can be asserted or shown to be a certain way. For example, you might say that your favorite teacher is arguably the best teacher in your school. If you declare that a certain restaurant makes what's arguably the best milkshake in town, you mean that a solid argument can be made in favor of their shakes. Use arguably when you want to emphasize or back up a statement or opinion. The word was first used in the late 19th century to mean "as may be shown by argument," from the Latin root word arguere, "make known, prove, or demonstrate."

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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:

The earnings were arguably upstaged by Musk's disclosure Tuesday that special committees of independent directors at both SpaceX and Tesla have been set up to discuss a merger of the two companies.

From Barron's ● Oct. 21, 2026

Fabian Hurzeler's free-scoring side have arguably been the most entertaining top-flight team to watch this season, but they have backed up their attacking flair with a robust defence.

From BBC ● Oct. 19, 2026

The signs were arguably sufficient to recommend keeping boats and ships out of the fjord.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 19, 2026

“Ohtani is arguably the best player in the world,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026

Moreover, as the systems of control have evolved, they have become perfected, arguably more resilient to challenge, and thus capable of enduring for generations to come.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

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