possibly — English Dictionary

Adverb

1. Perhaps; indicates that the proposition may be true (is not certainly false) regardless of any facts or circumstances known to, stated by or implied by the speaker.

   Usage

   • modifying a clause or predicate

   Synonyms

   potentiallymaybeperhapsmayhapmayhapsby chanceperchanceperadventureconceivably

   Antonyms

   impossiblyinevitablycertainlyindubitablyundoubtablyundoubtedlyno doubt

   Examples

   Near-synonyms: maybe, perhaps, mayhap, mayhaps, by chance, perchance, peradventure; conceivably

   Possibly, they will make gains in the midterm elections.

   More examples (4)

   It was possibly the costliest mistake in the organization's history.

   This rare and possibly unique specimen must be conserved.

   “Well, everything does point to either a major epeirogenic deformation, or possibly just a simple disruption of isostasy throughout the entire plate network.”

   That, however, is something the ZOA has seemed unwilling to do, on the theory that Bannon is a self-declared, and possibly even sincere, supporter of the Jewish state.

2. In the realm of possibility; indicates that the action may successfully be performed (is not impossible) regardless of any facts or circumstances known to, stated by or implied by the speaker that might limit the performance.

   Usage

   • modifying a verb

   Examples

   I'm much stronger than you, so you can't possibly win.

   I couldn't possibly be there on time.

   More examples (3)

   I couldn't possibly cheat on my wife.

   It seems unlikely, but, yes, they could possibly win even now.

   The police don't know him, and the information they have leads them to think he could possibly have murdered his wife.

Adverb

1. by chance

   Synonyms

   perchanceperhapsmaybemayhapperadventure

   Examples

   perhaps she will call tomorrow

   we may possibly run into them at the concert

   More examples (1)

   it may peradventure be thought that there never was such a time

2. to a degree possible of achievement or by possible means

   Antonyms

   impossibly

   Examples

   they can't possibly get here in time for the funeral?