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
Yacob Reyes, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025
Coffee drinkers are likely to see even steeper prices over the next three or four months, with Andrea Illy, chairman of Italian roaster and global retailer Illycaffè, recently predicting that bean prices could climb 25% this year.
—Kate Gibson, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2025
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Since commercial vehicles are subject to speed limits, those trucks are likely traveling far more slowly than the garden variety Porsche 911 owner.
—Robert Ferris, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Adjective
With the dust settled after last month's legislative revolt against Gov. Ron DeSantis, questions about the GOP's unity linger — though, for now, few bills seem likely to put it to the test.
—Yacob Reyes, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025
Coffee drinkers are likely to see even steeper prices over the next three or four months, with Andrea Illy, chairman of Italian roaster and global retailer Illycaffè, recently predicting that bean prices could climb 25% this year.
—Kate Gibson, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2025
Adverb
This will likely depend on how competitive the Blue Jays are at the trade deadline.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Since commercial vehicles are subject to speed limits, those trucks are likely traveling far more slowly than the garden variety Porsche 911 owner.
—Robert Ferris, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likely
Adjective
-
Another probable place to lay blame is the social media companies that draw kids in, memorizing their patterns through algorithms to keep them viewing and engaged.—
Katie Grant,
Parents,
4 Mar. 2025
-
Friday Rockies probable pitchers: LHP Kyle Freeland, RHP Antonio Senzatela, RHP Angel Chivilli, RHP Diego Castillo, LHP Evan Justice, LHP Jack O’Loughlin.—
Patrick Saunders,
The Denver Post,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
The Russian president has a track record of stirring the pot by identifying real needs or issues and offering seemingly plausible but politically unrealistic solutions.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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Both theories are plausible, but neither fully explains Broccoli’s head-scratching change of heart.—
Benjamin Svetkey and Julian Sancton,
The Hollywood Reporter,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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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
-
Planting in the wrong season won't lead to pretty blooms.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2025
Adverb
-
The closet is probably the easiest room to ignore when things get disorganized.—
Shea Simmons,
People.com,
8 Mar. 2025
-
Take it from someone who has bought, sold, found, cleaned, and restored some dusty, oily gems: Your records probably need a good bath.—
Parker Hall,
WIRED,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
He has been floated as a possible presidential candidate in 2028.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC News,
7 Mar. 2025
-
On Friday night, light rain showers and snow showers are possible in parts of the Northeast.—
Emily Shapiro,
ABC News,
6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
At night, many of these fishing vessels turn on bright lights to lure squid to the surface, where they are harvested using a large net.—
Avery Schmitz,
CNN,
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
-
There’s something fundamentally threatening of credible data suggesting a decline in the role and prominence of a historical American institution.—
Michael Peregrine,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
-
But in time, other countries—perhaps Germany itself—might feel the need if a credible European deterrent is not established quickly, experts say.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likely. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
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