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
-
In light of budget constraints, steep cuts to a wide range of Medicaid benefits are probable in the short term.—
Joshua P. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Wind gusts of up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail (1 inch) are probable.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
The last race before the summer break in Hungary showed promising signs for the team.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Aug. 2025
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Among the most promising signs in Monday’s data were great strides by the city’s youngest test takers.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
11 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
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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
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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
-
Lucio — leggy, brave, sturdy in the challenge — is probably more appropriate as a reference point.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Mental health advisement via poetry is probably not the best route to go.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Their identifications were made possible by advanced DNA analysis of remains recovered from the attack, along with family outreach, said the OCME.—
David Chiu,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Also, likely aiding in the suspect's speedy apprehension, according to Bumgarner, were the FBI-style protocols soldiers are trained to follow, including quick evacuation, barricading if escape is not possible, and taking swift action to curb imminent danger.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
Investors and consumers alike are rewarding companies that can demonstrate credible progress on environmental goals, particularly around waste reduction and responsible sourcing.—
Megan Brewster,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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No verification: No backup of a product’s claims or credible third-party certification means those assertions might not be true.—
Riane Lumer,
CNN Money,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likely. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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