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May

/meɪ/

To be strong; to have power (over).

📖 Definitions of "May"

verb
  1. 1

    To be strong; to have power (over).

  2. 2

    (auxiliary) To be able; can.

  3. 3

    To be able to go.

  4. 4

    (modal auxiliary verb, defective) To have permission to, be allowed. Used in granting permission and in questions to make polite requests.

    "you may smoke outside;  may I sit there?"

🔄 Synonyms of "May"

7 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.

WordDefinition
getverb(transitive or ditransitive) To obtain; to acquire.
mightnoun(auxiliary) simple past of may
crataegus oxycanthanounthorny eurasian shrub of small tree having dense clusters of white to scarlet flowers followed by deep red berries; established as an escape in eastern north america
crataegus laevigataCrataegus laevigata, known as the Midland hawthorn, English hawthorn, woodland hawthorn, or mayflower, is a species of hawthorn native to western and central Europe, from Great Britain (where it is typically found in ancient woodland and old hedgerowsOnline Atlas of the British and Irish Flora: Crataegus laevigata) and Spain, east to Romania and Ukraine.
english hawthornnouneuropean hawthorn having deeply cleft leaves and bright red fruits; widely cultivated in many varieties and often grown as impenetrable hedges; established as an escape in eastern north america
cannoun(auxiliary verb, defective) To know how to.
whitethornnounCrataegus monogyna, a hawthorn species native to Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia.

↔️ Antonyms of "May"

Words with the opposite meaning.

WordDefinition
must notverbUsed to indicate that something is forbidden.
may not

💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "May"

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

WordDefinition
getnoun(dated) Offspring, especially illegitimate.
cannounA container or vessel, especially for liquids, usually made of metal.
whitethornnounCrataegus monogyna, a hawthorn species native to Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia.
crataegus laevigataCrataegus laevigata, known as the Midland hawthorn, English hawthorn, woodland hawthorn, or mayflower, is a species of hawthorn native to western and central Europe, from Great Britain (where it is typically found in ancient woodland and old hedgerowsOnline Atlas of the British and Irish Flora: Crataegus laevigata) and Spain, east to Romania and Ukraine.
crataegus oxycanthanounthorny eurasian shrub of small tree having dense clusters of white to scarlet flowers followed by deep red berries; established as an escape in eastern north america
english hawthornnouneuropean hawthorn having deeply cleft leaves and bright red fruits; widely cultivated in many varieties and often grown as impenetrable hedges; established as an escape in eastern north america
pleaseverbUsed to make a polite request.
opportunitynounA chance for advancement, progress or profit.
ablenoun(military) The letter "A" in Navy Phonetic Alphabet.
capableAble and efficient; having the ability needed for a specific task; having the disposition to do something; permitting or being susceptible to something.
casenounAn actual event, situation, or fact.
availableReadily obtainable.
optionallyIn an optional manner; not mandatorily.
allowedPermitted, authorized.
risknoun(uncountable) The probability of a negative outcome to a decision or event.
authorizedExplicitly allowed.
oftenFrequently; many times on different occasions.
possibilitynounA thing possible; that which may take place or come into being.
potentialnounA currently unrealized ability (with the most common adposition being to).
likelynounSomething or somebody considered likely.

🎨 Adjectives for "May"

Popular adjectives used to describe this word in books.

🏷️ Nouns for "May"

Common nouns this word is used to describe.

📝 Common Phrases with "May"

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