possibly

adverb

pos·​si·​bly ˈpä-sə-blē 

1

: in a possible manner : by any possibility

that's all she could possibly do

2

: by merest chance : perhaps

possibly he will recover

3

: it is possible or imaginable : conceivably

a political libel which may possibly damage me

—G. B. Shaw

Synonyms

• conceivably
• maybe
• mayhap
• perchance
• perhaps

Examples of possibly in a Sentence

he may possibly recover after such a serious mistake, but it doesn't seem likely

Recent Examples on the Web

Exercise also causes disease-fighting white blood cells to circulate more quickly, possibly allowing the body to detect illnesses earlier.5 The temporary rise in body temperature during exercise may also help fight infections, similar to how a fever works. —Sarah Jividen, Health, 23 Feb. 2025

But it has long been anticipated that the Americans would catch up and possibly surpass Canada. —Dan Robson, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025

Videos taken at the scene show emergency services and rescue workers searching for those possibly buried in the rubble. —Escher Walcott, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025

However, incumbent star third baseman Rafael Devers isn't enthused about possibly having to change positions. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing possibly

• where can (someone) (possibly) be

Rhymes for possibly

• impossibly

Kids Definition

possibly

adverb

pos·​si·​bly ˈpäs-ə-blē 

1

: by possible means : by any possibility

that cannot possibly be true

2

: perhaps

may possibly recover