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
Jem Aswad, Variety, 26 May 2026
Below him, the 18-year-old Douglass Lukjanciks is another promising prospect but is likely to play further second-string games, with a loan of his own the next step.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 27 May 2026
But his hitting status went from likely to undecided.
—Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for likely
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Adjective
The song, released back in February and likely to be included on his sophomore album expected later in the year, is also nominated for the Song of the Summer AMA Awards.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 26 May 2026
Below him, the 18-year-old Douglass Lukjanciks is another promising prospect but is likely to play further second-string games, with a loan of his own the next step.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Adverb
Manager Dave Roberts said before the game Tuesday that Ohtani likely would hit as well.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 27 May 2026
But his hitting status went from likely to undecided.
—Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 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 27 May. 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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