potentially
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for potentially, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Possibly, in a way that could happen.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use potentially
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Formed from potential plus the adverb suffix -ly.
Full origin of potentially →Frequently asked questions
What does “potentially” mean?
The word “potentially” means possibly, in a way that could happen. In plain terms, used to say something might happen, without guaranteeing it will.
How do you pronounce “potentially”?
“Potentially” is pronounced puh-TEHNSH-lee (/pəˈtɛnʃ(ə)li/ in IPA).
How do you use “potentially” in a sentence?
Here is “potentially” used in a sentence: “The delay could potentially push the launch into next year.”
What part of speech is “potentially”?
“Potentially” is an adverb.
Is “potentially” a common word?
“Potentially” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between potentially and possibly?
"Possibly" expresses uncertainty about whether something is true or will happen: "He is possibly the best candidate." "Potentially" points to a capacity that could develop or be realised: "a potentially dangerous chemical" is one capable of becoming dangerous. Use "possibly" for maybe-facts and "potentially" for latent capability.
Is could potentially redundant?
Usually, yes. "Could" already signals that something might happen, so "the plan could potentially fail" says the same thing as "the plan could fail." Careful editors cut "potentially" after "could," "may," or "might" unless the writer specifically wants to stress unrealised capacity.
What is the difference between potentially and probably?
"Probably" makes a claim about likelihood: the outcome is more likely than not. "Potentially" makes no claim about likelihood at all; it only says the outcome could happen. A potentially fatal illness might almost never kill, whereas a probably fatal one is expected to.