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

The general public is less likely to be affected. —Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025

This is the first data regarding the show’s performance that has come from an independent party, so more insights are likely to come as more third party streaming reports are released. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 14 Nov. 2025

Adverb

These defenses, while advanced, would likely be the first targets of an opponent if a conflict were to break out, said Serbin Pont, the CRIES analyst. —German Padinger, CNN Money, 13 Nov. 2025

Critical Role for their own video game and based on the sheer complexity of continuing a story like this, fans will likely be waiting a while. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025

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