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
4
: promising
a likely candidate
5
: attractive
a likely child
: in all probability : probably
those who seek power will most likely wind up exercising it—
Halton Arp
Halton ArpSynonyms
Adjective
Adverb
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
Carl Leubsdorf, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
But just as the price of everyday goods began growing a little more slowly, likely tariffs from a second Trump administration could destabilize recent disinflation.
—Melvin Backman, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
Dat Truong, 32, a 10-year Denver police officer, will likely be decertified from working as a police officer in Colorado due to the conviction.
—Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for likely 
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Adjective
In the longer term, none of that is likely to matter much.
—Carl Leubsdorf, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
But just as the price of everyday goods began growing a little more slowly, likely tariffs from a second Trump administration could destabilize recent disinflation.
—Melvin Backman, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
Adverb
Still, if the Sharks’ template is any indication, the Penguins will likely be challenged to become contenders again — not just this season but for years to come.
—Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
Dat Truong, 32, a 10-year Denver police officer, will likely be decertified from working as a police officer in Colorado due to the conviction.
—Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for likely
Dictionary Entries Near likely
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likely. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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