potentially
adverb
po·ten·tial·ly
pə-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)lē 
: in a potential or possible state or condition
—used to describe the possible results or effects of something
a potentially dangerous situation [=a situation that has the potential to be or become dangerous]
a potentially useful feature
By creating a personal home page, anyone can publish material that potentially can be read by millions of people worldwide.—
Peter H. Lewis
Peter H. LewisThe phenomenon seemed significant for both the science of immunology and, potentially, for medicine.—Daniel J. Kevles
Daniel J. KevlesPotentially adding to the cost of the bail-out is the prevailing FDIC notion that some banks are simply too big to fail.—L. J. Davis
L. J. DavisThe result, they say, is that children are less compelled to play outside, potentially stunting emotional and physical development and exacerbating a nationwide epidemic of childhood obesity.—Sumathi Reddy
Sumathi ReddyExamples of potentially in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As multiple cities around Jackson County move to ban types of unregulated and potentially dangerous ‘gas station drugs’ — specifically more potent variations of kratom — Lee’s Summit has not only joined the charge but has taken restrictions even further.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2026
The founders, who included Altman, Sutskever, Brockman, and Elon Musk, asserted that artificial intelligence could be the most powerful, and potentially dangerous, invention in human history, and that perhaps, given the existential risk, an unusual corporate structure would be required.
—Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Doncic’s agency first told ESPN of the news of the Slovenian star’s attempt to recover quicker, potentially joining the Lakers for games in the playoffs sooner than anticipated.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
Eber said the site is zoned for agricultural use, but it could potentially be rezoned for commercial development.
—Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
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Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2026
The founders, who included Altman, Sutskever, Brockman, and Elon Musk, asserted that artificial intelligence could be the most powerful, and potentially dangerous, invention in human history, and that perhaps, given the existential risk, an unusual corporate structure would be required.
—Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Doncic’s agency first told ESPN of the news of the Slovenian star’s attempt to recover quicker, potentially joining the Lakers for games in the playoffs sooner than anticipated.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
Eber said the site is zoned for agricultural use, but it could potentially be rezoned for commercial development.
—Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for potentially
Cite this Entry
“Potentially.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potentially. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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