likely

1 of 2

adjective

like·​ly ˈlī-klē How to pronounce likely (audio)
likelier; likeliest
1
: having a high probability of occurring or being true : very probable
rain is likely today
2
: apparently qualified : suitable
a likely place
3
: reliable, credible
a likely enough story
4
: promising
a likely candidate
5
: attractive
a likely child

likely

2 of 2

adverb

: in all probability : probably
those who seek power will most likely wind up exercising itHalton Arp

Examples of likely in a Sentence

Adjective That seems to be the most likely explanation. This looks like a likely spot for a picnic. They regard him as a likely candidate for the job. Adverb He'll very likely be late. “Will it rain tomorrow?” “Most likely.”
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
People older than 45 are more likely to develop the disease. Maggie O'Neill, Health, 30 Nov. 2024 Obviously the likely reason is that it will be announced first or in the first wave, with staggered launches being common in past Nvidia releases. Antony Leather, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
Adverb
The Irish were No. 5 in last week’s CFP rankings but will likely move up after No. 2 Ohio State lost at home to Michigan. Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 1 Dec. 2024 Jackson likely won’t see another project reach 500 weeks on the Billboard 200 for quite some time. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for likely 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Adverb

Middle English, from Old English gelīclic fitting (from gelīc like) and Old Norse glīkligr, līkligr, from glīkr like; akin to Old English gelīc

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of likely was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near likely

Cite this Entry

“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likely. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

likely

1 of 2 adjective
like·​ly ˈlī-klē How to pronounce likely (audio)
likelier; likeliest
1
: very possibly going to happen
it's likely to start raining any time
2
: seeming to be the truth : believable
a likely story
3
: giving hope of turning out well : promising
a likely spot for a picnic
a likely looking customer

likely

2 of 2 adverb
: without great doubt : probably
the first loaves of bread people made were likely hard and flat

More from Merriam-Webster on likely

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