likely

1 of 2

adjective

like·​ly ˈlī-klē How to pronounce likely (audio)
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 itHalton Arp

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
Swift is a huge source of costume inspiration every year, but this year's looks are likely to be even more prolific in the wake of the engagement news. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025 Is this likely to pass the Legislature? Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Adverb
Whichever candidate is elected will also likely face opposition and infighting from within their own party, given the split between LDP conservatives and moderates, said Hall. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025 Shutdown strain on food lifelines The federal government enters a third day of shutdown on Friday, and officials say the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, commonly known as WIC, will likely run out of funding within one or two weeks. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likely. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!