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
Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 22 July 2025
Saturday night: Showers and thunderstorms are likely.
—Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 22 July 2025
Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
Soliman will likely be one of many detainees scheduled in front of the court at the same time, as The Enquirer learned in sitting through a morning of Riedthaler-Williams' docket last month.
—Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
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Adjective
In 2019, former UAW President Gary Jones was accused — and later convicted — of plotting to steal up to $1.5 million in union dues, was likely to be ousted via Article 30, though Jones resigned before the process was completed.
—Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 22 July 2025
Saturday night: Showers and thunderstorms are likely.
—Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 22 July 2025
Adverb
Recent heavy rains likely contributed to the dam failure.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
Soliman will likely be one of many detainees scheduled in front of the court at the same time, as The Enquirer learned in sitting through a morning of Riedthaler-Williams' docket last month.
—Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 23 July 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 25 Jul. 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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