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 ArpExamples 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
Doyle Rice, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025
Soaked ground struggles to absorb heavy rain, so flash flooding and rapid river rises are more likely with new bouts of rain.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 12 Dec. 2025
David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Dec. 2025
Zinc is likely safe for pregnant people, those who are breastfeeding, and children.
—Cynthia Sass, Health, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
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Adjective
The vast snow cover still being added to by the storm pattern through this weekend is likely to be eroded by higher temperatures before Christmas, AccuWeather said.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025
Soaked ground struggles to absorb heavy rain, so flash flooding and rapid river rises are more likely with new bouts of rain.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 12 Dec. 2025
Adverb
The weather service still expects the lighter snow to impact the Friday morning commute, as roads will likely be slick and covered with snow.
—David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Dec. 2025
Zinc is likely safe for pregnant people, those who are breastfeeding, and children.
—Cynthia Sass, Health, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likely. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.
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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