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 first is that existing asset footprints are likely worth far more than investors currently estimate, and the costs associated with duplicating or competing with these asset footprints likely reduce competitive pressures from new entrants. —Mark Le Dain, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

Around a corner filled with complex tech equipment, a particular tree is likely to catch your eye. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025

Adverb

That’s ironic considering 77% of the IRA’s clean energy and deployment investment have gone to Congressional districts represented by Republicans, and likely the reason 21 GOP Members of the House of Representatives oppose repealing them. —Energy Innovation: Policy and Technology, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

The one area where the Starlink Mini mostly matches its larger counterpart is in latency, likely due to the fact that SpaceX has been hard at work reducing the latency of the entire satellite and ground-station network. —PCMAG, 23 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for likely

• unlikely

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