perhaps

1 of 2

adverb

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

perhaps

2 of 2

noun

: something open to doubt or conjecture

Synonyms

Adverb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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
But in time, other countries—perhaps Germany itself—might feel the need if a credible European deterrent is not established quickly, experts say. — Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 But to date there has been no answer to what would appear to be a fundamental question – and perhaps a flaw in the decision to place ethnic studies in a ninth-grade class. — Marsha Sutton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025 The efforts to cut diplomatic posts and overseas staffing are part of an internal campaign to reduce the State Department's operations budget, perhaps by as much as 20%, according to two U.S. officials with knowledge of the evolving discussions. — arkansasonline.com, 7 Mar. 2025 One look that was perhaps a favorite of many including myself was worn to the Le Grand Diner du Louvre at the Louvre. — Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perhaps

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

per + hap

First Known Use

Adverb

circa 1520, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1534, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perhaps was circa 1520

Rhymes for perhaps

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Browse Nearby Words

perhaps
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Cite this Entry

“Perhaps.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perhaps. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on perhaps

Nglish: Translation of perhaps for Spanish Speakers

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