maybe

1 of 2

adverb

may·​be ˈmā-bē How to pronounce maybe (audio)
 also  ˈme-
Synonyms of maybenext
: perhaps

maybe

2 of 2

noun

: uncertainty

Synonyms

Adverb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of maybe in a Sentence

Adverb maybe we can make it to the concert, if we hurry
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adverb
Lusardi recommended taking a look at your insurance plans and maybe opting for one that costs less but has a higher deductible. — Rachel Barber, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025 And maybe in a few years, others will join that conversation. — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
The occult realm of Netflix, the streaming service that ensnares viewers in a maze of maybes, has joined forces with Sonia Friedman Productions to convert a piece of prime theatrical real estate into a zone of franchise extension. — Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025 This is the season of second guessing on the left, a time of what-ifs and maybes. — Hunter Woodall, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for maybe

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of maybe was in the 15th century

Rhymes for maybe

See All Rhymes for maybe

Browse Nearby Words

May basket
maybe
may beetle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maybe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maybe. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

maybe

adverb
may·​be
ˈmā-bē,
ˈmeb-ē
: perhaps

More from Merriam-Webster on maybe

Nglish: Translation of maybe for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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