Want to say may differently? Here are other words for may and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of may
The primary meaning of the word "may" is to express possibility, permission, or ability.
Etymology of may
The word "may" originates from Old English "mæg", which is derived from Proto-Germanic "magiz" and Proto-Indo-European "magh-"
Historically, "may" was used to express ability or power, and its meaning has evolved to include permission, possibility, and polite request
Synonyms
can
might
shall
should
could
would
will
permission
privilege
allowance
authorization
consent
license
permit
sanction
approval
authorization
enablement
entitlement
liberty
option
possibility
probability
potentiality
propensity
capacity
ability
faculty
power
right
discretion
choice
opportunity
leeway
flexibility
autonomy
independence
Definitions
- Used to express possibility or likelihood
- Used to express permission or authorization
- Used to express ability or capacity
- Used to make a polite or formal request
- Used to express a wish or desire
Usage Examples
- You may leave the room now
- It may rain tomorrow
- I may attend the meeting if I can
- May I have a cup of coffee, please
- She may be right, but I'm not sure
Antonyms
cannot
must not
should not
cannot
will not
shall not
must
have to
need to
ought to
should
forbidden
prohibited
denied
refused
rejected
disallowed
unauthorized
unpermitted
improper
inappropriate
incorrect
invalid