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
Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
Almeida is extremely likely to have wrestling success early in this fight, and the question becomes whether Volkov can survive and extend the matchup.
—Brett Appley, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
The company will also likely shutter its park in Santa Clara, California, at the end of 2027.
—Shannon Pettypiece, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
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Adjective
Joseph Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM, said in a blog post on Wednesday that the currency intervention has failed and predicted a 15%-30% plunge for the peso is highly likely if voters reject Milei again.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
Almeida is extremely likely to have wrestling success early in this fight, and the question becomes whether Volkov can survive and extend the matchup.
—Brett Appley, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Adverb
Because her eight-episode hiatus will reportedly run consecutively, Scorsone will likely not return to Grey's Anatomy until 2026.
—Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
The company will also likely shutter its park in Santa Clara, California, at the end of 2027.
—Shannon Pettypiece, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likely. Accessed 30 Oct. 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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