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
Peter Debruge, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
Cage may seem like an unlikely favorite for a group this young, but a quick YouTube search of The Runarounds live performances reveals covers of Jet and The Strokes — more bands less likely to get passed down directly by their parents.
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025
The study will likely help people understand the need to adopt Zone 0, Hawks said.
—Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Adjective
Although several of the film’s surprises are predictable — usually just moments before the reversal comes — no one is likely to figure out Rahim’s connection to the bomb.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
Cage may seem like an unlikely favorite for a group this young, but a quick YouTube search of The Runarounds live performances reveals covers of Jet and The Strokes — more bands less likely to get passed down directly by their parents.
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
Adverb
Apple will likely lean into that advantage, choosing to focus on improvements to the iPhone’s core functionality like battery life, camera quality and design.
—Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025
The study will likely help people understand the need to adopt Zone 0, Hawks said.
—Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likely
Adjective
-
That makes the iX3 and the larger iX5 probable production targets for fuel cells, according to BMW’s Board Member for Development, Joachim Post.—
Michael Taylor,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
-
The cone represents the storm center's probable path.—
Christine Rapp,
NBC news,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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If the Panthers were to regress, how could that be viewed as promising or successful?—
Mike Kaye
September 10,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The procedure, known as xenotransplantation – transplanting organs, tissues or cells from one species to another – is seen as the most promising way to meet the need of patients waiting desperately for an organ to become available.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The world’s highest court, the International Court of Justice, has ruled that there is a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza, and that Israel’s occupation and apartheid against Palestinians are unlawful.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
8 Sep. 2025
-
One or two plays go another way—a possibility made infinitely more plausible when missing your star defensive player—and the Eagles could have lost to the underdog Cowboys.—
Don Yaeger,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
How To Harvest Dill Flowers Dill blossoms deliver strong dill flavor in a delicate, pretty package.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 Sep. 2025
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But the taste was a pretty spot-on replica of my memory.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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Competitively, the discontinuation probably worked for Kansas, which won no more than three games in any season between 2010 and 2022.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Djokovic, probably the greatest returner ever with probably the greatest backhand ever, took his backhand cut and sailed it long.—
The Athletic Tennis Staff,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The Pixel’s Magic Editor leverages generative AI tools, which can remove objects in the background, alter lighting, and realistically change the entire mood of a phone (a bright middary sun can easily be compensated for).—
Ewan Spence,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Academy graduate Charlie Tasker is a bright prospect.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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But in July, the FBI and DOJ released a joint memo stating there was no Epstein client list and no credible evidence that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals.—
Julie K. Brown,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Chaz Fortune, a credible messenger and director of YAP, believes tailoring the program to what the youths need and being truthful is most important.—
Everett Eaton,
jsonline.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likely. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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