arguably
Britishadverb
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."
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.
“At that point, they arguably no longer need the government’s retirement safety net.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
But while everyone has been watching crude oil, a different oil measure — the one that arguably matters more for the price at the gas pump — has never stopped climbing.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 21, 2026
But while those two decisions are the most pressing and arguably most controversial in Burnham's energy in-tray, there are plenty of other matters he's going to have to take a view on.
From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026
Argentina’s Lionel Messi, 39, is arguably the greatest player in World Cup history, having played more games, scored more goals and collected more assists than anyone who has gone before him.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2026
Drivers were, arguably, the most important early market for mobile telecommunications.
From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.