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

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
The second concern was contamination—perhaps the rover itself dragged the organic material from Earth? Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 4 July 2026 At perhaps one of Canada’s most iconic destinations, the men’s national team’s run has left an impression. Shelby Blackley, New York Times, 4 July 2026 There's a lot to prove to the world and perhaps even himself. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 Mbappé has received lots of help from Ousmane Dembélé (4 goals) and Michael Olise (5 assists), the three players forming perhaps the most dangerous attack on grass. Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 4 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Perhaps.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perhaps. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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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