1
as in probable
having a high chance of occurring
if you don't graduate from high school, your likely fate is a low-paying job
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in promising
having qualities which inspire hope
this looks like a likely spot for good trout fishing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in plausible
worthy of being accepted as true or reasonable
we didn't find her excuse a very likely story
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in pretty
very pleasing to look at
a likely gal such as yourself should have no trouble getting a date
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in probably
by reasonable assumption
the picnic will likely be cancelled if the storm continues
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of likely
The Editors, National Review, 28 Apr. 2025
What is certain is that DOGE has already reshaped the federal workforce: More than 100,000 federal workers have been fired or taken buyouts to leave the civil service so far, though ongoing court battles mean that number is likely to change in the coming months.
—Shannon Bond, NPR, 28 Apr. 2025
Sara Netzley, EW.com, 29 Apr. 2025
And in any other playoff series, that likely would have been enough.
—Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Adjective
Since Trump doesn’t like to bow to media feeding frenzies, Hegseth is likely to survive and get another bite of the apple.
—The Editors, National Review, 28 Apr. 2025
What is certain is that DOGE has already reshaped the federal workforce: More than 100,000 federal workers have been fired or taken buyouts to leave the civil service so far, though ongoing court battles mean that number is likely to change in the coming months.
—Shannon Bond, NPR, 28 Apr. 2025
Adverb
The oddball weapon is a signal jammer designed to take down drones in war zones and was likely used to neutralize the van vault’s silent alarm so the thief could make off with what Kasie (Diona Reasonover) estimates is a million dollars.
—Sara Netzley, EW.com, 29 Apr. 2025
And in any other playoff series, that likely would have been enough.
—Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likely
Adjective
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Massive damages To implement their method, the researchers perform lots of individual models, collectively providing the most probable costs and the likely range around them.—
John Timmer,
ArsTechnica,
23 Apr. 2025
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The race for eighth That does not have a glamorous ring to it, but a European prize is probable for whoever comes out on top.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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During this time, the club managed to avoid relegation from the Premier League, often against the odds, and has enjoyed a promising period towards the end of the 2024/25 season under returning manager David Moyes, who previously managed the club between 2002 and 2013.—
James Nalton,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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This strategy is already showing a promising outcome.—
Xandra Harbet,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Often, the people targeted had already sought relief from their real lenders, and were expecting a return call — making these phony pitches seem more plausible.—
LEW SICHELMAN,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2025
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And like any role within an organization, that isn’t plausible.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Today's must-shop deals ☕️ Chic kitchen upgrade: Save 33% on the prettiest Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker that our editors love.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
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Shoppers are flocking to airy dresses, breezy pants, pretty blouses, and more clothes.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Adverb
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Caldwell and West could probably be had in the fourth round should the Bills strike out on the first two days of the draft.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
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The best is probably Jonathan Bullard, a decent run-stuffer who was a 17-game starter for Brian Flores’ Vikings defense last season.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Many Andor fans weren’t happy to learn that Disney+ intended to release the show’s second and final season in weekly three-episode chunks, as if the streamer were eager to be done with this outlier entry in the Star Wars franchise as quickly as possible.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
23 Apr. 2025
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DraftKings Promo Code for NBA Playoffs, MLB Games The outcome of your initial wager doesn't matter, so try placing a bet as soon as possible to redeem the bonus.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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By all accounts, Woodson is a really bright football player.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
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This recipe skips the mayo and ops for a tangy vinaigrette to keep it light and bright.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Fast evaluation The Titans fell in love with Ward, enough to brush off credible offers to give up the top pick.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
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The result for future students could be more credible degrees — and fewer low-quality colleges rubber-stamped as legitimate.—
Shahar Ziv,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likely. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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