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
Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
These individuals are not only more likely to drive actual professional development for their students but valuable industry connections that have a higher chance of positive employment outcomes.
—Sergei Revzin and Vadim Revzin, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
PayPal customers have likely already seen some of these fraud detection technologies in action, such as the fraud reminder notifications and advice that come part-and-parcel with global invoice and peer-to-peer money requests.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for likely 
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Adjective
Black residents like the Mitchells are much more likely to be disabled than white, Latino or Asian ones, data show.
—Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
These individuals are not only more likely to drive actual professional development for their students but valuable industry connections that have a higher chance of positive employment outcomes.
—Sergei Revzin and Vadim Revzin, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Adverb
But Biden leaves office on Jan. 20, and the recovery effort will likely sprawl for years to come.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
PayPal customers have likely already seen some of these fraud detection technologies in action, such as the fraud reminder notifications and advice that come part-and-parcel with global invoice and peer-to-peer money requests.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 11 Jan. 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 19 Jan. 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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