likely

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adjective like·ly \ ˈlī-klē \

Definition of likely

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

See likely defined for English-language learners

See likely defined for kids

Examples of likely in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples of likely from the Web

In addition to reducing traffic, the Rematch feature seems likely to shorten wait times for people leaving the airport.

— lisa beebe, Los Angeles Magazine, "LAX Just Made It Easier to Catch a Lyft/Uber from the Airport," 30 Aug. 2017
The hearings will be held at locations to be determined, most likely high schools, similar to the way the council holds its spring budget hearings.

— allan vought, The Aegis, "Harford Comprehensive Zoning headed for County Council," 30 Aug. 2017
More recent drafts likely have been written, incorporating context and feedback from police officials, correcting mistakes in earlier drafts, and updating information.

— jsonline.com, "Trust damaged between Milwaukee police and community, Department of Justice draft report says," 30 Aug. 2017
But on Tuesday, residents received a rare warning: A missile was approaching from North Korea and was likely to fly over parts of Japan.

— motoko rich, New York Times, "Japan Wakes to a Text Message: Missile Approaching," 29 Aug. 2017
Already more than 250,000 customers are without electricity as of Saturday afternoon a figure that was likely to increase.

— paula rogo, Essence.com, "Hurricane Harvey Is Now A Tropical Storm," 26 Aug. 2017
Come summer, expect crowds in the spacious back patio, likely nursing high-balls of frozen amaro slushies.

— Condé Nast Traveler, "Sportsman's Club," 25 Aug. 2017
And girls with involved fathers are also far less likely to go hungry, to live in poverty, and to have better physical health, according to a second study done by Rutgers.

— charlotte andersen, Redbook, "Fathers Have An Even Greater Influence on Daughters Than You May Realize," 22 Aug. 2017
The family-friendly Summercamp Hotel still has availability, as does the quaint 15-room Christopher (act fast, as the rooms are likely to sell out).

— lindsay silberman, Town & Country, "Easy (and Last Minute!) Labor Day Getaway Ideas," 22 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'likely.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of likely

Middle English, from Old English gelīclic fitting (from gelīc like) and Old Norse glīkligr, līkligr, from glīkr like; akin to Old English gelīc

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

likely Synonyms

Synonyms

probable

Antonyms

doubtful, dubious, improbable, questionable, unlikely

Related Words

conceivable, earthly, imaginable, possible, potential, supposable; apt, bound, certain, doubtless, imminent, inescapable, inevitable, liable, necessary, sure, unavoidable

Near Antonyms

impossible, inconceivable, unimaginable

likely

adverb

Definition of likely

:in all probability :probably

those who seek power will most likely wind up exercising it
—Halton Arp

See likely defined for English-language learners

Examples of likely in a Sentence

He'll very likely be late.
“Will it rain tomorrow?” “Most likely.”

Recent Examples of likely from the Web

Although Trump could end DACA any day, immigration experts agree that the end would likely come slowly over time.

— alex harris and kyra gurney, miamiherald, "Miami leaders line up to support ‘Dreamers’ and ask Trump to do the same," 30 Aug. 2017
For example, the draft report did not mention federally funded efforts at community policing that have shown results in reducing crime in the Washington Park and Amani neighborhoods, a success the department would likely want to highlight.

— jsonline.com, "Trust damaged between Milwaukee police and community, Department of Justice draft report says," 30 Aug. 2017
If deployed, Donahue said his team likely would assist in evacuation efforts, helping patients in nursing homes and hospitals relocate to other facilities.

— javonte anderson, Post-Tribune, "NWI emergency responders ready to help Harvey victims," 29 Aug. 2017
The IronBirds (36-30) have gone 3-7 over the last 10 and Monday's loss likely hurt more than the others.

— randy mcroberts, The Aegis, "IronBirds let one slip away in loss to Connecticut," 29 Aug. 2017
Harvey: Harvey will likely sharpen an ongoing debate over whether Houston, a city driven by real estate, has overbuilt at the expense of flood control.

— shaila dewan and john schwartz, New York Times, "How Does Hurricane Harvey Compare With Katrina? Here’s What We Know," 28 Aug. 2017
The scene begins with the executive producer of Life of Kylie banging on a hotel door, looking for Victoria, who will most likely point her in the direction of Kylie.

— mariah smith, The Cut, "It Would Be Nice to See Kylie Jenner Do Something for a Friend for Once," 28 Aug. 2017
Remember, the storm will likely continue for several days, and residents displaced by the storm will need help for some time to come.

— laurel pinson, Glamour, "How You Can Help Victims of Harvey in Texas, No Matter Where You Are," 27 Aug. 2017
The pilot aired on Sunday and will likely re-air within the next few weeks.

— taysha murtaugh, Country Living, "11 Things You Need to Know About Ashley Gilbreath of HGTV's 'Sweet Home Renovation'," 25 Aug. 2017

Origin and Etymology of likely

see ¹likely

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

likely Synonyms

Synonyms

assumably, doubtless, probably, presumably

Antonyms

improbably

Near Antonyms

implausibly, inconceivably, incredibly, unbelievably, unthinkably

LIKELY Defined for English Language Learners

likely

play

adjective

Definition of likely for English Language Learners

—used to indicate the chance that something will happen
: seeming to be true
: seeming to be right or suited for a purpose

likely

adverb

Definition of likely for English Language Learners

: without much doubt

LIKELY Defined for Kids

likely

play

adjective like·ly \ ˈlī-klē \

Definition of likely for Students

likelier; likeliest

1 :very possibly going to happen

That glass is likely to fall.

2 :seeming to be the truth :believable

That is the most likely explanation.

3 :giving hope of turning out well :promising

They found a likely spot for a picnic.

likely

adverb

Definition of likely for Students

:without great doubt She will likely be elected class president.

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