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
Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Accumulating rainfall looks increasingly likely on Tuesday, March 31st in a buzzer-beater that may mean the final numbers will fall short of such a record, though the overall trend will remain.
—Greg Porter, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Mar. 2026
Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026
In the end, China’s scientific-superpower status will likely depend on the world-changing force of its discoveries.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for likely
Adjective
Like any vending machine, supplies are limited, so the higher payouts are likely to sell out quickly, with no plans to restock during the first come, first served promotion.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Accumulating rainfall looks increasingly likely on Tuesday, March 31st in a buzzer-beater that may mean the final numbers will fall short of such a record, though the overall trend will remain.
—Greg Porter, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Mar. 2026
Adverb
Major renovations would likely not happen.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026
In the end, China’s scientific-superpower status will likely depend on the world-changing force of its discoveries.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for likely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likely
Adjective
-
Rookie standout Kon Knueppel (lower back soreness) is listed as probable for Tuesday’s game against the Kings.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Adebayo upgraded In the wake of being held out in Charlotte due to tightness in his right calf, Adebayo on Wednesday was listed as probable to return Thursday night against the Lakers.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The nightmarish sequence spoiled a night that began with the Angels showing more promising signs at the plate.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Researchers have also observed promising improvements in metabolic markers and better preservation of lean muscle mass, says Burns.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
That 45-day mark is now looking pretty plausible.—
Ayana Underwood,
Outside,
27 Mar. 2026
-
For weeks, both cases have seemed equally plausible to the market.—
Camila Domonoske,
NPR,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In the village's old marketplace, 18 pretty rooms are arranged around a pool courtyard.—
Selina Denman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Pink and white jelly floral nails Floral manicures are always pretty, but this look takes the feminine vibe to the next level.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
30 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Baker would probably love People’s, a new referral-only cocktail lounge in the West Village.—
Rachel Syme,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Using such a large share of the river for cattle feed probably isn’t sustainable.—
Brandon Loomis,
AZCentral.com,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
If possible, set aside some time today to journal, listen to your favorite music, or just take a nap!—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2026
-
If trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Having undergone an extensive 2024 renovation, each of the 259 rooms (including 42 suites) are bright and airy, with textures and colors inspired by the Canadian landscape.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Beyer, who has a warm smile and bright-pink glasses, did not hide her satisfaction.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The 21st century’s obstacles for young men—as seen in deaths of despair and lagging employment—have been amply publicized both by credible journalists and by charlatans such as Fuentes.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
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This guide breaks down the most credible thinning hair treatments and products on the market, grounding each recommendation in what the evidence actually says.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likely. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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