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

Plus, targets in countries where people generally make lower incomes may be less likely to turn down job offers. —Jessica Klein, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2026

Leon, in issuing the temporary pause, concluded that the preservationist group behind the legal challenge was likely to succeed because the president lacks the authority to build the ballroom without approval from Congress. —Michael Kunzelman, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026

Adverb

Zlotnikov wrote that the condition was likely caused by a mutation that had occurred very early in embryonic development, a supposition that was confirmed decades later by genetic analysis. —Jerome Groopman, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026

Consumers and private health insurance plans would likely see the largest price increases under such a scenario, said Ciaccia, citing inflation penalties assessed when drug companies significantly raise prices for government health insurance programs Medicare and Medicaid. —Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 5 Apr. 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