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
Medora Lee, USA Today, 23 June 2026
The Chiefs’ 2026 tight end room is crowded, so Pline’s most likely path could be finding a home on the team’s practice squad.
—Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2026
Taylor Ward, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
The 34-year-old democratic socialist's choices were pitted against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, also of New York, in what will likely be viewed as a big and successful early test at establishing a new faction within the national party.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for likely
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Adjective
Women are far more likely than men to leave the workforce to take care of children or aging parents.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 23 June 2026
The Chiefs’ 2026 tight end room is crowded, so Pline’s most likely path could be finding a home on the team’s practice squad.
—Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2026
Adverb
Western and central parts of the country will likely be more than 27 degrees Fahrenheit (15 Celsius) above normal, with temperatures topping 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 Celsius) in some areas including Paris.
—Taylor Ward, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
The 34-year-old democratic socialist's choices were pitted against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, also of New York, in what will likely be viewed as a big and successful early test at establishing a new faction within the national party.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 24 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 24 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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