likely

1 of 2

adjective

like·​ly ˈlī-klē 

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

3

: reliable, credible

a likely enough story

4

: promising

a likely candidate

5

: attractive

a likely child

likely

2 of 2

adverb

: in all probability : probably

those who seek power will most likely wind up exercising it

—Halton Arp

Synonyms

Adjective

• probable

Adverb

• assumably
• doubtless
• presumably
• probably

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

Adjective

The reading clears the way for the Fed to cut rates, which is likely to send tech shares higher. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2024

Heavier Bleeding Heavier menstrual bleeding is more likely to happen with a copper IUD than a hormonal IUD. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 11 Dec. 2024

Adverb

And unlike in cases where people have misled law enforcement about their disappearance, police likely won't investigate Kobayashi further, Jeanis said. —N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024

Clouds, rain and mountain snow will likely hamper viewing the event in the Northwest. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Adverb

Middle English, from Old English gelīclic fitting (from gelīc like) and Old Norse glīkligr, līkligr, from glīkr like; akin to Old English gelīc

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing likely

• likely-looking
• more than likely
• most likely
• not bloody likely!
• not likely

Kids 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