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 ArpExamples 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
Hannah Chubb, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 June 2026
The last, and perhaps most likely, potential candidate comes from within.
—Jesse Granger, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Anya Armentrout, Twin Cities, 10 June 2026
In a world where an AI hoax could easily be promulgated across social media, or in which conspiracy theorists would likely attack a real discovery, the protocols are intended to encourage best practice and safeguard astronomers when the media spotlight falls on them.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for likely
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Adjective
Tickets for any match in any city will cost you a pretty penny at this point in the tournament, but seats for the final will set you back a staggering amount—likely about five figures for Category 1 tickets, according to the New York Times, and that doesn’t even account for travel or lodging.
—Hannah Chubb, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 June 2026
The last, and perhaps most likely, potential candidate comes from within.
—Jesse Granger, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Adverb
The goal came on a free shot from 10 yards out that snuck under the cross bar and sent Edina into a state of euphoria and the Raiders, likely, into a brief state of shock.
—Anya Armentrout, Twin Cities, 10 June 2026
In a world where an AI hoax could easily be promulgated across social media, or in which conspiracy theorists would likely attack a real discovery, the protocols are intended to encourage best practice and safeguard astronomers when the media spotlight falls on them.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for likely
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likely. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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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