1
as in probable
having a high chance of occurring
if you don't graduate from high school, your likely fate is a low-paying job
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in promising
having qualities which inspire hope
this looks like a likely spot for good trout fishing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in plausible
worthy of being accepted as true or reasonable
we didn't find her excuse a very likely story
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in pretty
very pleasing to look at
a likely gal such as yourself should have no trouble getting a date
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in probably
by reasonable assumption
the picnic will likely be cancelled if the storm continues
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of likely
Mary Gilbert, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
The existence of other technological species is highly likely
However, a few major challenges stand in the way of this strategy.
—Perri Thaler, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2025
Axios, 12 Mar. 2025
On the other, some Democrats understand that a decision to vote against the bill could likely force an undesirable government shut down.
—Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Adjective
Widespread gusts of 40 to 50 mph are likely by late afternoon, with stronger gusts up to 65 mph in parts of Texas and New Mexico.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
The existence of other technological species is highly likely
However, a few major challenges stand in the way of this strategy.
—Perri Thaler, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2025
Adverb
The Fed will likely keep rates on hold when its two-day policy meeting concludes next week.
—Axios, 12 Mar. 2025
On the other, some Democrats understand that a decision to vote against the bill could likely force an undesirable government shut down.
—Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likely
Adjective
-
The star guard was listed as probable for this game and will end up playing against the Pacers.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Another probable measles death was recorded last week after an unvaccinated New Mexico resident tested positive for the virus.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The fourth-round draft pick had a promising rookie season in 2024, even after sustaining a scary neck injury in late November.—
Alex Zietlow and,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Mar. 2025
-
His promising early baseball career took a back seat in 1943 when he was taken into the Navy and served as a radio operator on the USS Coral Sea during World War II.—
Daniel Brown,
The Athletic,
9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Zachary’s anger and jealousy towards Reacher is misplaced but — like so vanishingly few elements of Reacher — plausible and convincing.—
Chris Klimek,
Vulture,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Step 3: Fabricate a plausible but incorrect summary.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Transferring everyday items from their bulky, visually stimulating packaging into pretty containers is one way to organize your home while maintaining your design style.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Mar. 2025
-
Clint Steadman, in the only other truly significant male role, has a youthful charm and pretty tenor as Joe, the junior accountant who teaches Violet something about second chances.—
Matthew J. Palm,
Orlando Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2025
Adverb
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Use a Steamer Using a handheld clothing steamer is probably the most popular alternative to traditional ironing.—
Emily Williams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Mar. 2025
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Butler, 2011: The Bulldogs were probably a little underrated entering the Big Dance in 2011, coming off of an appearance in the national title game the year before.—
Kels Dayton,
Hartford Courant,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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This experience made the team think hard about tactics and technology for drones to take off and land without their operators being detected, and how to extract operators as quickly as possible.—
David Hambling,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
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As for the future of the show, Barbato and Bailey say anything is possible, including a potential second show and a Broadway expansion.—
Lawrence Yee,
People.com,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
That’s exactly what happens, but our eyes (which are not blessed with high dynamic range) see a bright side of the moon and an almost black side as Earth’s shadow travels across it.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
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The flavor profile is sweet and bright and makes a great potluck side that will have everyone scooping out a big serving.—
Erin Hooker,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Most importantly, consistency and discipline matter: Developing a predictable cadence of authentic, valuable content helps to position the founder as both credible and genuine.—
Danylo Borodchuk,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
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Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.—
Troy Aidan Sambajon,
The Christian Science Monitor,
19 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likely. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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