likely

1 of 2

adjective

like·​ly ˈlī-klē How to pronounce likely (audio)
likelier; likeliest
Synonyms of likely
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 it …—Halton Arp

Synonyms of likely

Relevance

Adjective

Adverb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
The Economist’s poll tracker suggests that Likud and Yashar are neck-and-neck, on 22 seats each; that Netanyahu’s coalition will fall short of the 61 seats needed for a majority; but that Eisenkot’s coalition is likely to fall short too. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026 People who score high on measures of zest are also more likely to view their lives as meaningful. — Joan M. Cook, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
Adverb
Thornton likely will be out for the season with an ankle injury. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2026 Giving Americans $1,000 or $5,000 invested in a technology index is a straightforward idea; The source and use of the funds will likely be of great debate. — Sarah Cannon, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing likely

Rhymes for likely

See All Rhymes for likely

Browse Nearby Words

likeliness
likely
likely-looking
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likely. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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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
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