perhaps

1 of 2

adverb

per·​haps pər-ˈhaps How to pronounce perhaps (audio)
ˈpraps
Synonyms of perhaps
: possibly but not certainly : maybe

perhaps

2 of 2

noun

: something open to doubt or conjecture

Synonyms of perhaps

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Adverb

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Examples of perhaps in a Sentence

Adverb perhaps we will not have to take this exam, but I doubt it
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adverb
For Republicans, well, there’s not much downside at all, except for those that truly despise green power or, perhaps wisely, fear increasing federal authority over local permitting matters. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026 An America lost to time, remembered in photos The mall’s future is now determined — and its past reveals a version of America perhaps long gone. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2026 Not a wartime consigliere, perhaps, but Blanche understands the expectations of his Don. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026 In the alternate reality, the Dodgers start Yamamoto — perhaps the world’s best big-game pitcher — followed by Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and maybe Emmet Sheehan. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perhaps

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

per + hap

First Known Use

Adverb

circa 1520, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1643, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perhaps was circa 1520

Rhymes for perhaps

See All Rhymes for perhaps

Browse Nearby Words

perhalogen
perhaps
per head
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perhaps.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perhaps. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

perhaps

adverb
per·​haps
pər-ˈ(h)aps, 
ˈpraps
: possibly but not certainly
Etymology

Adverb

from per (preposition) "by, according to" and haps, plural of hap "chance, chance occurrence" — related to happen, happy, mishap

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