1 perhaps | Definition of perhaps

perhaps

adverb
per·​haps | \ pÉ™r-ˈhaps How to pronounce perhaps (audio) , ˈpraps\

Definition of perhaps

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: possibly but not certainly : maybe

perhaps

noun

Definition of perhaps (Entry 2 of 2)

: something open to doubt or conjecture

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Synonyms for perhaps

Synonyms: Adverb

conceivably, maybe, mayhap, perchance, possibly

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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: Adverb

Because the Heat cannot aggregate Leonard in a trade until Sept. 6 (two months from when he was acquired), perhaps there is an intentional holding pattern. Ira Winderman, sun-sentinel.com, "ASK IRA: Could Heat invert, with big men shooting the threes?," 2 Sep. 2019 Jalen’s debut was the headliner here in Norman, Oklahoma, but perhaps more interesting to the home crowd of 84,534 was the performance of the defense for the better part of three quarters. Joseph Goodman | [email protected], al, "Jalen Hurts takes center stage for Oklahoma, college football," 2 Sep. 2019 For the evening — which seemed to be perhaps a date night — Qualley, 24, rocked a black blazer-style mini dress and silver heels, with her dark hair pulled back into a low ponytail. Jen Juneau, PEOPLE.com, "Pete Davidson and Margaret Qualley Hold Hands in Venice Amid Romance Rumors," 2 Sep. 2019 So perhaps this month can be something of a showcase tour. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Padres notes: Lauer deals with cold fingers; Bolanos called up to start; Myers’ big trip?," 2 Sep. 2019 With a playing resume as full as perhaps any non-coordinator at the FBS level, Lyght jumps into drills to demonstrate proper technique. Mike Berardino, Indianapolis Star, "Notre Dame great Todd Lyght pays it forward with new generation of cornerbacks," 1 Sep. 2019 But perhaps the biggest takeaway from Saturday's opener was Wilson. Gentry Estes, The Courier-Journal, "Led by Terry Wilson, Kentucky football's passing game wakes up at just the right time," 31 Aug. 2019 And there’s perhaps no better time to work on that to-do list than during the quiet days of autumn. Justin Franz, Houston Chronicle, "Have Glacier National Park to yourself in the fall," 30 Aug. 2019 Opponents of Johnson’s move view it as a cynical and perhaps unconstitutional maneuver. Laura Beers, The Conversation, "Why the queen said yes to Boris Johnson’s request to suspend Parliament," 29 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perhaps.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of perhaps

Adverb

circa 1520, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1534, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for perhaps

Adverb

per + hap

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More Definitions for perhaps

perhaps

adverb

English Language Learners Definition of perhaps

: possibly but not certainly

perhaps

adverb
per·​haps | \ pÉ™r-ˈhaps How to pronounce perhaps (audio) \

Kids Definition of perhaps

: possibly but not certainly : maybe Perhaps we'll go.

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More from Merriam-Webster on perhaps

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with perhaps

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for perhaps

Spanish Central: Translation of perhaps

Nglish: Translation of perhaps for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of perhaps for Arabic Speakers