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

Certain tags have been more likely to get a post deleted or banned on Rednote, screenshots and searches show. — ABC News, 8 July 2026

From June 29 to July 5, 201 million Americans experienced at least one day where climate change made temperatures at least three times more likely, Shel Winkley, chief meteorologist at Climate Central, told USA TODAY. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Adverb

This no-fuss combination is easy to replicate and likely even includes a few wardrobe staples that are already hanging in your closet. — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, said Michelle Obama likely chose not to take on a heavy policy position because she was targeted just for being a Black woman. — Jenny Jarvie follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 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