likely

1 of 2

adjective

like·​ly ˈlī-klē 

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

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

Adjective

• probable
• possible
• inevitable

Adverb

• probably

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

Adjective

If financial returns remain strong, more are likely to follow. —Tom Chitty, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2026

The fact that the Spanish designer was actually from a town in the Basque Country on the opposite coast is likely part of the joke. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026

Adverb

If none of these private stations pans out, the only LEO outpost left when the ISS crashes back to Earth will likely be Tiangong, the three-module station that China finished building in late 2022. —Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Feb. 2026

But a July 2025 state audit estimated that more than half of the students who applied for and received free meals during the 2023-24 school year likely didn’t meet the eligibility requirements. —Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026

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

Phrases Containing likely

• likely-looking
• more than likely
• most likely
• not bloody likely!
• not likely

Rhymes for likely

• unlikely

Kids 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