The most common synonyms of perhaps are maybe, possibly, and conceivably. Maybe suits casual speech, possibly works in most settings, and conceivably fits formal writing about remote chances. Perhaps itself sounds slightly more polished than maybe and also softens suggestions. This guide shows which alternative fits each situation, what sets these words apart, and where “synonyms” such as probably actually change your meaning.
Quick Answer: Best Synonyms for Perhaps
| Situation | Best choice | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Casual talk | maybe | Maybe we’ll order pizza. |
| Neutral writing | possibly | She will possibly join us. |
| Formal writing | conceivably, potentially | The result could conceivably change. |
| Polite suggestion | perhaps, “it might be worth…” | It might be worth checking the figures. |
| Literary or old-fashioned | perchance, mayhap | Perchance he forgot. |
Correct: Perhaps the meeting will move to Friday.
Incorrect: Perhaps the meeting definitely will move to Friday. (The sentence contradicts itself: “perhaps” signals doubt, “definitely” signals certainty.)
What Does “Perhaps” Mean?
“Perhaps” means that something is possible but not certain. If you say “Perhaps I’ll call her,” you haven’t promised to call.
Part of Speech and Basic Meaning
In standard use, perhaps is an adverb. It usually modifies a whole statement, as in “Perhaps the package arrived early.” Dictionaries treat maybe and possibly as close matches for this meaning.
Pronunciation and Syllables
Perhaps has two syllables (per·haps), and the stress falls on the second. Dictionary.com gives the American pronunciation as /pərˈhæps/ and the British as /pəˈhæps/ or /præps/. Merriam-Webster also lists a quick, contracted form that sounds like “praps.” In careful speech, most speakers say “per-HAPS.”
Word Origin
The word comes from Middle English, built from “per” (by) and “hap” (chance). Merriam-Webster dates its first known use to around 1520. Hap is also the root of happen and mishap, so “perhaps” literally means “by chance.”
Synonyms of Perhaps by Formality and Use
Everyday Synonyms
- Maybe: the default casual choice. Maybe we should leave early.
- Possibly: works in speech and writing. The store is possibly closed.
- Could be / it could be: very informal. Could be he missed the bus.
- For all I know: conversational, with a shrug. He’s moved away, for all I know.
Formal and Written Synonyms
- Conceivably: suggests the possibility is somewhat remote. The deadline could conceivably be extended.
- Potentially: emphasizes capacity or risk. The update potentially affects all users.
- Feasibly: points to practicality. The task could feasibly finish by May.
- It may be that…: a careful academic opening. It may be that the sample was too small.
Literary and Archaic Synonyms
Perchance, mayhap, and peradventure appear in older or poetic writing, and Wiktionary also records “by chance” as a dated sense of perhaps. Avoid them in business or school writing unless you want an old-fashioned tone.
Phrases That Mean “Perhaps”
“As it may be,” “it’s possible that,” and “there’s a chance that” can replace perhaps when you want to restructure a sentence. Example: There’s a chance that the flight will be delayed.
How Perhaps Is Used
Perhaps at the Start, Middle and End of a Sentence
Perhaps works in several positions:
- Start: Perhaps the rain will stop soon.
- Middle: The answer is perhaps simpler than we thought.
- End: He’ll arrive tomorrow, perhaps.
Maybe fits the start and end easily, but it sounds odd in the middle. Compare “As you perhaps know…” with the awkward “As you maybe know…”
Perhaps for Polite Suggestions
Perhaps can soften advice. “Perhaps you could review the draft” sounds gentler than “Review the draft.” It usually pairs with a subject and a modal verb such as could or should.
Perhaps Before Numbers
Before an amount, perhaps means “roughly” or “possibly as many as.” The walk takes perhaps twenty minutes. Here, “about” or “around” can replace it.
Perhaps as a Noun
Perhaps can also be a noun meaning an uncertainty, plural “perhapses.” It is rare and mostly literary: The plan was full of perhapses. Don’t use it in everyday writing.
Perhaps vs Maybe, Possibly and Probably
Perhaps vs Maybe
The two words mean the same thing and are usually interchangeable. The difference is tone. Perhaps is slightly more formal and common in writing. Maybe is common in conversation.
| Perhaps | Maybe | |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | Slightly formal | Casual |
| Mid-sentence use | Natural | Awkward |
| Typical setting | Essays, reports, polite requests | Chat, speech, texting |
Possibly and Conceivably
Possibly usually sounds a bit more tentative than perhaps. Conceivably stresses that something can be imagined, even if it’s unlikely. Both are good in writing.
Why Probably and Surely Are Not Synonyms
Probably means “more likely than not,” so it expresses stronger confidence. Perhaps she’s late leaves the question open, while Probably she’s late leans toward yes. Surely is stronger still. It often expresses confidence or even a challenge, as in “Surely you remember.”
Maybe vs May Be
Maybe is an adverb meaning perhaps. May be is a verb phrase meaning “might be.” One check: if you can swap in “perhaps,” write one word. Maybe it’s broken. / It may be broken.
Opposites of Perhaps: Words That Express Certainty
Perhaps has no single direct opposite. The closest contrasts are words of certainty:
- definitely
- certainly
- surely
- undoubtedly
Example: Perhaps we’ll finish today. → We will definitely finish today.
Example Sentences by Context
- Everyday: Perhaps we should take an umbrella.
- Workplace: Perhaps you could send the updated file by noon?
- Academic: The difference is perhaps explained by sample size.
- Formal writing: The policy could conceivably reduce costs within two years.
- Spoken, casual: Maybe I’ll text her later.
Common Mistakes with Perhaps and Its Synonyms
- Stacking two uncertainty words.
Mistake: Perhaps she will maybe come. Fix: Perhaps she will come. One marker is enough. - Using perhaps with certainty words.
Mistake: Perhaps it will definitely work. Fix: It will definitely work. - Writing “may be” for “maybe.”
Mistake: May be we should wait. Fix: Maybe we should wait. - Treating probably as a plain synonym.
Mistake: Perhaps = probably. Fix: use probably only when you mean “likely.” - Using archaic words in modern writing.
Mistake: Mayhap the report is ready. Fix: Perhaps the report is ready. - Dropping the subject in a polite suggestion.
Mistake: Perhaps close the door. Fix: Perhaps you could close the door.
Practice Quiz
- Choose the more formal option: (a) maybe (b) conceivably (c) could be
- Fill in the blank: “The trip takes ______ forty minutes.” (perhaps / definitely)
- Correct the sentence: Perhaps he will maybe attend.
- Choose the correct form: “(Maybe / May be) the file is corrupted.”
- Which word is NOT a close synonym of perhaps? (a) possibly (b) conceivably (c) surely
- Which sentence sounds more natural? (a) “As you maybe know…” (b) “As you perhaps know…”
- Choose the polite suggestion: (a) “Perhaps you could check the invoice.” (b) “Check the invoice.”
- Choose the old-fashioned synonym: (a) possibly (b) perchance (c) potentially
Answer key
- b. Conceivably is the more formal choice.
- perhaps. It works as an approximation before a number; “definitely” doesn’t.
- Perhaps he will attend. Remove the extra uncertainty word.
- Maybe. It is an adverb meaning perhaps.
- c. Surely expresses confidence, not doubt.
- b. Perhaps fits mid-sentence; maybe does not.
- a. The modal and subject soften the request.
- b. Perchance is archaic or literary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another word for perhaps?
Maybe and possibly are the most common alternatives. Conceivably and potentially suit formal writing, and perchance is literary.
Is perhaps more formal than maybe?
Slightly. The meanings are the same, but perhaps is more common in written and professional English, while maybe dominates casual speech.
Can perhaps start a sentence?
Yes. “Perhaps we should wait” is perfectly standard. Perhaps can also sit mid-sentence or at the end.
What is the best formal synonym for perhaps?
Conceivably is a strong choice for remote possibilities, and “it may be that” works well in academic writing. Possibly is a safe all-purpose option.
Is perhaps an adverb?
Yes, in nearly all everyday uses. It modifies a clause to show uncertainty. A rare noun use exists, meaning an uncertainty.
How do you pronounce perhaps?
Say “per-HAPS,” with stress on the second syllable. Some speakers shorten it to “praps” in fast speech.
Is probably a synonym of perhaps?
Not exactly. Probably means something is more likely than not, which is a stronger claim than perhaps.
What is the opposite of perhaps?
There is no single opposite. Definitely, certainly, and undoubtedly express the certainty that perhaps lacks.
Is perchance still used?
Rarely. It appears in poetry, historical fiction, and playful writing, but sounds old-fashioned in everyday English.
What is the difference between maybe and may be?
Maybe is an adverb meaning perhaps. May be is a verb phrase meaning “might be.” Try substituting “perhaps” to check which one you need.
Is “perhapses” a real word?
It is recorded as the plural of the noun perhaps, but it is very rare. Most writers use “uncertainties” or “possibilities” instead.
Can I use perhaps in a business email?
Yes. It sounds polite and professional, especially in suggestions such as “Perhaps we could schedule a call.”
Choosing the Right Word: Final Takeaway
Synonyms of perhaps like maybe, possibly, and conceivably all signal uncertainty, but each fits a different tone. Use maybe in casual talk, possibly in neutral writing, and conceivably in formal prose. Keep probably and surely out of the group, since they claim more confidence. Quick check: if the sentence would still make sense with “perhaps,” you’ve chosen the right kind of word.
