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
Nandan Sheth, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Instead of kinship, audiences are likely to feel confusion, as Mahnaz behaves in increasingly self-destructive, irrational ways en route to an ending that provides relief, but no real resolution.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 22 May 2025
Michelle Conlin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Nonetheless, seven-day viewing is usually directional and the pattern of decline will likely be reflected in Doctor Who’s final ratings.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Adjective
In fact, a 2023 survey found that 80% of Gen Z and millennial consumers are likely to base purchases on a brand’s mission or stated purpose, a clear sign that trust is a critical differentiator.
—Nandan Sheth, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Instead of kinship, audiences are likely to feel confusion, as Mahnaz behaves in increasingly self-destructive, irrational ways en route to an ending that provides relief, but no real resolution.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 22 May 2025
Adverb
More than half of the 220 holders at the black-tie event are likely based outside the United States, according to blockchain analysis.
—Michelle Conlin, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Nonetheless, seven-day viewing is usually directional and the pattern of decline will likely be reflected in Doctor Who’s final ratings.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likely
Adjective
-
The Leafs were always more probable than not to lose this series and the odds now are greatly stacked against them.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
-
Without human oversight, brand language may drift toward the generic, the probable, and the forgettable.—
Jason Snyder,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
These three forces coming together certainly bodes a promising outcome for this venture.—
Dr. Sai Balasubramanian,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
-
If anything, the research holds some promising takeaways for people.—
Jamie Ducharme,
Health,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
But doctors say many aspects of Biden’s diagnosis timeline are plausible: 70 and older: Men in this age group are typically not recommended for prostate cancer screening, per the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.—
Sarah Whitmire,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
-
There are multiple plausible explanations for both the bacteria’s presence and novelty.—
Paul Smaglik,
Discover Magazine,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
There was even a collaboration with Hello Kitty featuring Ito’s monstrous Tomie, a creature who resembles a pretty girl but can grow a copy of herself from her smallest part and infest her victims.—
Sam Thielman,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
-
Fold linens neatly, use decorative baskets to corral smaller pieces, and work in a couple of decorative items such as a pretty storage box to dress up the piece.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 May 2025
Adverb
-
These days, that price tag would probably be far higher.—
Sonja Anderson,
Smithsonian Magazine,
19 May 2025
-
Who else is in Pillion? Aside from starring Skarsgård, Pillion also stars Melling, who has been featured in The Queen’s Gambit, but is probably most well-known for playing Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter film series as a child.—
Mathew Rodriguez,
Them.,
19 May 2025
Adjective
-
Quail Hollow is getting weird Welcome to the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, where nothing makes sense and anything is possible.—
Justin Ray,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
-
The question the film ultimately asks is whether a third way is at all possible, leading to a gripping final combat that’s much less a knockout than a bitter victory.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2025
Adjective
-
While cruises claimed over half of Greenland’s total tourism numbers in 2023, the future looks bright for air travel.—
Katherine Alex Beaven,
Smithsonian Magazine,
21 May 2025
-
But when done right, the whole room can seem brighter and more spacious.—
Rachel Davies,
Architectural Digest,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
Using the deployment of U.S. forces as leverage in trade negotiations could lead close allies to perceive U.S. commitments as less credible, Nam added.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
19 May 2025
-
Two main issues are conveyed: No credible debt management approach exists.—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likely. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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