likelier; likeliest
1
: having a high probability of occurring or being true : very probable
rain is likely today
2
: apparently qualified : suitable
a likely place
4
: promising
a likely candidate
5
: attractive
a likely child
: in all probability : probably
those who seek power will most likely wind up exercising it—
Halton Arp
Halton ArpSynonyms
Adjective
Adverb
Examples of likely in a Sentence
Adjective
That seems to be the most likely explanation.
This looks like a likely spot for a picnic.
They regard him as a likely candidate for the job.
Adverb
He'll very likely be late.
“Will it rain tomorrow?” “Most likely.”
Recent Examples on the Web
Maggie O'Neill, Health, 30 Nov. 2024
Obviously the likely reason is that it will be announced first or in the first wave, with staggered launches being common in past Nvidia releases.
—Antony Leather, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 1 Dec. 2024
Jackson likely won’t see another project reach 500 weeks on the Billboard 200 for quite some time.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for likely 
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Adjective
People older than 45 are more likely to develop the disease.
—Maggie O'Neill, Health, 30 Nov. 2024
Obviously the likely reason is that it will be announced first or in the first wave, with staggered launches being common in past Nvidia releases.
—Antony Leather, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
Adverb
The Irish were No. 5 in last week’s CFP rankings but will likely move up after No. 2 Ohio State lost at home to Michigan.
—Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 1 Dec. 2024
Jackson likely won’t see another project reach 500 weeks on the Billboard 200 for quite some time.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for likely
Dictionary Entries Near likely
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likely. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
likely
1 of 2 adjective
like·ly
ˈlī-klē 
likelier; likeliest
1
: very possibly going to happen
it's likely to start raining any time
2
: seeming to be the truth : believable
a likely story
3
: giving hope of turning out well : promising
a likely spot for a picnic
a likely looking customer
likely
2 of 2 adverb
: without great doubt : probably
the first loaves of bread people made were likely hard and flat
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