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
Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025
Since Lohan believed that the worm was likely a parasite, the team decided to take more samples.
—Laura Baisas Aug 14, Popular Science, 14 Aug. 2025
Michelle L. Price, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
But anti-vaccine advocates have for years fought for the creation of the panel, likely seeing it as a tool to further erode confidence in the safety of childhood vaccines.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Adjective
All these factors combined pointed to one likely explanation.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025
Since Lohan believed that the worm was likely a parasite, the team decided to take more samples.
—Laura Baisas Aug 14, Popular Science, 14 Aug. 2025
Adverb
Foreign governments are watching closely to see how Trump reacts to Putin, likely gauging what the interaction might mean for their own dealings with the U.S. president, who has eschewed traditional diplomacy for his own transactional approach to relationships.
—Michelle L. Price, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
But anti-vaccine advocates have for years fought for the creation of the panel, likely seeing it as a tool to further erode confidence in the safety of childhood vaccines.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likely
Adjective
-
Some water watchers say the worst-case outlook (also known as the minimum probable forecast) is better guidance given the current state of the river and the drought.—
Shaun McKinnon,
AZCentral.com,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Wind gusts of up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) are probable.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images/Getty Images Washington Commanders receive promising grade for Brian Robinson Jr. trade On Sunday, ESPN's Seth Walder and Ben Solak did a report card for all the recent trades that have transpired in the NFL.—
Kevin McCormick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Aug. 2025
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That moviegoers reacted with a shrug at the box office is no reflection on Sweeney, who is unquestionably the best thing about this promising but ultimately unsatisfying movie.—
Peter Tonguette,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
These are big and as-yet-unproven claims, but if collagen works for tendon stiffness, then the other claims become a bit more plausible, at least in theory.—
Alex Hutchinson,
Outside,
11 Aug. 2025
-
The current partnership between WWE and AAA makes a deal like this even more plausible.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Hailee Steinfeld’s peachy nude lip is a win, but the matte diffusion over lids and beneath brows makes for a striking (yet still soft and pretty) moment.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
12 Aug. 2025
-
What reviewers say: This bodysuit has the perfect neckline—a mix between square and scoop that is super feminine and pretty.—
Dory Zayas,
Glamour,
11 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
This is the Pacheco that Chiefs fans know and love, although there were probably a few fans who held their breath after Pacheco hit the wall.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
23 Aug. 2025
-
Muchová, a former French Open finalist and two-time U.S. Open semifinalist, will be a major favorite but the crowd (probably a night one) will be rooting hard for Venus.—
Adam Zagoria,
Forbes.com,
23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The finding eliminates one possible cause for signs of distress shown by Black, 69, during his execution, his attorney Kelley Henry said in a statement.—
Evan Mealins,
The Tennessean,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Neighbors reported hearing a possible disturbance overnight.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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But away from the bright lights, situated high above the players competing on stage in Riyadh, major business is being done in the Esports Embassy.—
Mike Stubbs,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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Just as her holiday home had to be seen to be believed, so also did this beautiful Christmas lady whose bright light brought so much joy to the world.—
Denise Crosby,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Between him and Marcus Pettersson, a credible top-pair defenceman in his own right, Vancouver has its best one-two punch on the left side in franchise history.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
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In order to make Article 5 deterrence credible during the Cold War, the U.S. placed over 300,000 troops in Europe, mainly in West Germany.—
Peter Rutland,
The Conversation,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likely. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
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