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
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

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 25 Jul. 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

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