likely

1 of 2

adjective

like·​ly ˈlī-klē How to pronounce likely (audio)
likelier; likeliest
Synonyms of likely
1
: having a high probability of occurring or being true : very probable
rain is likely today
2
: apparently qualified : suitable
a likely place
3
: reliable, credible
a likely enough story
4
: promising
a likely candidate
5
: attractive
a likely child

likely

2 of 2

adverb

: in all probability : probably
… those who seek power will most likely wind up exercising it …—Halton Arp

Synonyms of likely

Relevance

Adjective

Adverb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Democratic primary voters picked their nominees on Tuesday for three battleground House seats in Virginia that are likely to determine control of the lower chamber in the 2026 midterm elections. — Sophia Mandt, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 2026 The official, who spoke on behalf of the State Department on condition of anonymity, said Brazil has indicated the approval is likely to be delayed until after its election in October. — Abigail Williams, NBC news, 5 Aug. 2026
Adverb
Until someone opens, say, the Maria Callas Ayurvedic Center, this will likely remain the world’s only hotel named after a long-dead opera singer. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026 The most recent National Climate Assessment, released by the federal government in 2023, warned most of Georgia will likely see between 10 and 40 more days with temperatures of at least 95 degrees by midcentury. — Drew Kann, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for likely

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Adverb

Middle English, from Old English gelīclic fitting (from gelīc like) and Old Norse glīkligr, līkligr, from glīkr like; akin to Old English gelīc

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of likely was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing likely

Rhymes for likely

See All Rhymes for likely

Browse Nearby Words

likeliness
likely
likely-looking
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likely. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

likely

1 of 2 adjective
like·​ly ˈlī-klē How to pronounce likely (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on likely

Nglish: Translation of likely for Spanish Speakers

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