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 ArpSynonyms
Adjective
Adverb
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 WebSusan Page, USA TODAY, 22 July 2024
Several European nations have reintroduced or expanded compulsory military service amid Moscow’s mounting threat, part of a range of policies aimed at boosting defenses that are likely to be scaled up even further.
—Radina Gigova, CNN, 21 July 2024
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 22 July 2024
The next few weeks will likely dictate whether the Democrats’ convention in August will be a chaotic throwback to the days of contested conventions or a more orderly and open selection of a clear front-runner.
—Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 22 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for likely 
Adjective
His tenure as the nation's 46th president, the fulfillment of a lifetime aspiration, is likely to rank as one of the most consequential in modern times.
—Susan Page, USA TODAY, 22 July 2024
Several European nations have reintroduced or expanded compulsory military service amid Moscow’s mounting threat, part of a range of policies aimed at boosting defenses that are likely to be scaled up even further.
—Radina Gigova, CNN, 21 July 2024
Adverb
The Democrats will now ready their own, likely leading with Harris.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 22 July 2024
The next few weeks will likely dictate whether the Democrats’ convention in August will be a chaotic throwback to the days of contested conventions or a more orderly and open selection of a clear front-runner.
—Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 22 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for likely
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'likely.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near likely
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likely. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
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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