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
Nandan Sheth, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Instead of kinship, audiences are likely to feel confusion, as Mahnaz behaves in increasingly self-destructive, irrational ways en route to an ending that provides relief, but no real resolution.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 22 May 2025
Michelle Conlin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Nonetheless, seven-day viewing is usually directional and the pattern of decline will likely be reflected in Doctor Who’s final ratings.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Adjective
In fact, a 2023 survey found that 80% of Gen Z and millennial consumers are likely to base purchases on a brand’s mission or stated purpose, a clear sign that trust is a critical differentiator.
—Nandan Sheth, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Instead of kinship, audiences are likely to feel confusion, as Mahnaz behaves in increasingly self-destructive, irrational ways en route to an ending that provides relief, but no real resolution.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 22 May 2025
Adverb
More than half of the 220 holders at the black-tie event are likely based outside the United States, according to blockchain analysis.
—Michelle Conlin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Nonetheless, seven-day viewing is usually directional and the pattern of decline will likely be reflected in Doctor Who’s final ratings.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likely
Adjective
-
How many cases are there in Oklahoma? Oklahoma held steady Friday with a total of 14 confirmed and three probable cases.—
DEVI SHASTRI,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
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For items like toys, Miller said, percentage increases in the double-digit range seem probable.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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These three forces coming together certainly bodes a promising outcome for this venture.—
Dr. Sai Balasubramanian,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
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The idea the experience sparks — a titillating rendezvous with the naked man at the bottom of her sake glass, Jane would never — is enough to kickstart her writing, at least to spit out some very promising pages.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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There are multiple plausible explanations for both the bacteria’s presence and novelty.—
Paul Smaglik,
Discover Magazine,
21 May 2025
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But doctors say many aspects of Biden’s diagnosis timeline are plausible: 70 and older: Men in this age group are typically not recommended for prostate cancer screening, per the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.—
Sarah Whitmire,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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There was even a collaboration with Hello Kitty featuring Ito’s monstrous Tomie, a creature who resembles a pretty girl but can grow a copy of herself from her smallest part and infest her victims.—
Sam Thielman,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
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Fold linens neatly, use decorative baskets to corral smaller pieces, and work in a couple of decorative items such as a pretty storage box to dress up the piece.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 May 2025
Adverb
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Valdez authored one of his finest starts as an Astro in what is probably his final season with the team.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
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However, the end of the conversation was probably the headline – that Amodei refused to rule out AI becoming self-aware in key ways.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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Tracing its fall—and possible revival Once a global manufacturing powerhouse, the United States built its empire on steel, cars, and innovation.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
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The Boise City Council approved plan modifications May 13 for a central village green and town center that would include shopping, coffee shops and food spots, including possible food carts in a park area.—
Nick Rosenberger,
Idaho Statesman,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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But for those with the skill and will to change theirs, the weather looks much brighter.—
John Readman,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
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But when done right, the whole room can seem brighter and more spacious.—
Rachel Davies,
Architectural Digest,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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Today’s leadership challenge is to build businesses that are not only efficient and competitive in the short term, but credible, trustworthy, and resilient over time.—
Mary Johnstone-Louis,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
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Led by Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, Indigenous communities have mobilized not just around identity, but around a structured, credible, and serious ballot.—
Arick Wierson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likely. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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