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
Stephen Maher, TIME, 15 Feb. 2025
Always check these areas for wildlife before closing them off, and make your repairs in winter when birds are less likely to be nesting.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2025
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
And American retailers and manufacturers likely would absorb at least some of the duties instead of passing them along to consumers through higher prices, economists said.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for likely 
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Adjective
Resistance to Trump’s tariffs on Canada is likely to emerge south of the border, from laid off autoworkers and consumers paying more for gas, cars, and appliances—a political struggle in which Canadians will be onlookers.
—Stephen Maher, TIME, 15 Feb. 2025
Always check these areas for wildlife before closing them off, and make your repairs in winter when birds are less likely to be nesting.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2025
Adverb
Rodgers, 28, remains a free agent and though Spotrac projects his market worth at $56.4 million over four years, given that he was cut by the Rockies in November and has failed to catch on with any other team, he could likely be acquired for significantly less.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
And American retailers and manufacturers likely would absorb at least some of the duties instead of passing them along to consumers through higher prices, economists said.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
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 20 Feb. 2025.
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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