likely

1 of 2

adjective

like·​ly ˈlī-klē 

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 it …

—Halton Arp

Synonyms of likely

Adjective

• probable
• possible
• inevitable

Adverb

• probably

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

Adjective

Women who have a restricted diet and may not get enough iron-rich foods, those who have absorption issues or those who have particularly heavy menstrual cycles may be more likely to have lower iron levels. — Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2026

Gibbons wrote that the exclusivity language in the CEA is more likely to represent an exclusion of courts’ jurisdiction than a prohibition on states’ power to make laws. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Sep. 2026

Adverb

Zelenskyy will likely seek to shore up Ukraine's position ahead of what is expected to be another tough winter, diplomats said. — Antoni Slodkowski Reuters, Arkansas Online, 21 Sep. 2026

But even if Gus had sadly died in the outback, an influx of scavengers would likely have alerted searchers to the presence of his body, experts said. — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026

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

Phrases Containing likely

• likely-looking
• more than likely
• most likely
• not bloody likely!
• not likely

Rhymes for likely

• unlikely

Kids 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