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
Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2026
Although college graduates are still less likely to be unemployed than their nondegree counterparts, the advantage is smaller than it’s been in decades, the firm found.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026
Matt Egan, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026
The beverage likely came from Jamaica, influenced by the island’s rum production.
—Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for likely
Adjective
Healthy people are less likely to be affected by very low temperatures, so the cold is not as much of a threat.
—Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2026
Although college graduates are still less likely to be unemployed than their nondegree counterparts, the advantage is smaller than it’s been in decades, the firm found.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026
Adverb
Selling Greenland to the United States would likely require a referendum.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026
The beverage likely came from Jamaica, influenced by the island’s rum production.
—Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for likely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likely
Adjective
-
Elsewhere, a dusting is the most probable scenario.—
Brandi D. Addison,
IndyStar,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Newcastle are guaranteed to play a minimum of 53 games this season — likely to become at least 55, given progression to another two-legged European tie seems probable.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Browns Cleveland boasts an elite defense led by the league’s best pass rusher, an owner who spends more cash than any other team and a promising nucleus from the 2025 draft class.—
Jacob Robinson,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Creativity, romance and pleasure take on a more serious tone, and a connection could feel both exciting and promising.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
More discreet measures, including cyber intrusions, intelligence operations or actions with plausible deniability, could allow Washington to apply pressure without forcing Tehran into a direct military response.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
12 Jan. 2026
-
But even to the cockeyed optimist, did six sacks feel plausible Sunday night?—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
These come in a pretty off-white champagne color, along with a cool purple, chocolate brown, and greige (grayish beige).—
Kaitlin Clapinski,
InStyle,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Furniture needs to do more than look pretty to earn its keep.—
Heather Bien,
The Spruce,
9 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Honestly, your friend will probably put them on immediately upon opening.—
Jeaneen Russell,
PEOPLE,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Higher elevations will probably have blooms from April through May, possibly even June.—
Outside,
Outside,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The study offers rare, direct evidence of this process by tracking cool gas across entire galaxies, something that was not possible before large surveys like MaNGA.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Ehrlich noted the short careers for college athletes and wondered whether a union for collective bargaining is even possible.—
ANDREW DESTIN,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Even hospital appointments were overwhelming, with bright lights leaving her drained and overstimulated.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The bright blue facade is a beacon of hope at a time when many residents and business owners are still caught in the difficult process of rebuilding after the fires.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Years later, in June 2023, the FBI and the Department of Justice said there was no credible evidence of foul play in his death, according to a DOJ report.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
-
But that was found not to be a credible threat and everyone is safe.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likely. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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