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
Sin To, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Funeral plans have yet to be finalized, but O’Dell is planning on having a celebration of life with a butterfly release, likely in Grandview.
—Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Most inflation is likely transmitted through small businesses, and branches of large firms that behave like small businesses that have a lot of control over pricing (grocery stores, for example).
—William Dunkelberg, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
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Adjective
Anyone who thinks Christmas begins in December is likely not in the business of delivering it.
—Sin To, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Funeral plans have yet to be finalized, but O’Dell is planning on having a celebration of life with a butterfly release, likely in Grandview.
—Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
Adverb
That would represent less than 15% of Michigan athletics’ likely 2024-25 spending figures.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Most inflation is likely transmitted through small businesses, and branches of large firms that behave like small businesses that have a lot of control over pricing (grocery stores, for example).
—William Dunkelberg, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 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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