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
Two presidential debates have been announced — without the involvement of the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) — putting the CPD in a rare and potentially perilous void of irrelevance.
—Major Garrett, CBS News, 31 May 2024
While dog lovers cherish their pets’ affection, their licks and nips can potentially spread harmful germs.
—Sam Anderson, New York Times, 31 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for potentially 
Major Garrett, CBS News, 31 May 2024
While dog lovers cherish their pets’ affection, their licks and nips can potentially spread harmful germs.
—Sam Anderson, New York Times, 31 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for potentially
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'potentially.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near potentially
Cite this Entry
“Potentially.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potentially. Accessed 4 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share