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
4
: promising
a likely candidate
5
: attractive
a likely child
: in all probability : probably
those who seek power will most likely wind up exercising it—
Halton Arp
Halton Arp
Synonyms
Adjective
Adverb
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 WebErik Larson and Patricia Hurtado Bloomberg News (tns), arkansasonline.com, 15 Apr. 2024
Bulk surveillance under Section 702 was already one of the main reasons for the cancellation of two data-sharing deals that U.S. companies used as a legal basis to serve customers in the EU, and the third such deal (known as the Data Privacy Framework) is likely to be challenged on similar grounds.
—David Meyer, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2024
Chatsworth has taken control of the West Valley League and is the likely No. 1 seed in the City Section.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2024
Large hail, damaging winds, locally heavy rainfall and an isolated tornado are likely from the strong to severe storms, with the highest potential coming Tuesday afternoon, the weather service said.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2024
In this sense, the attack on Israel is likely to enhance normalization with the Saudis, not diminish it.
—Gadi Ezra, TIME, 15 Apr. 2024
The most likely severe weather is forecasted for Tuesday evening and into the overnight hours, with more severe conditions expected in central and southwestern Wisconsin.
—David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2024
The high court’s ruling, likely to land in late June, has the potential to undo the convictions and sentences of those who have already gone to trial or pleaded guilty, and upend the charges still pending for many more.
—Ann E. Marimow, Washington Post, 13 Apr. 2024
More than 10% of households in L.A. County report having a gun, and many of those are likely to have children, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2024
Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 16 Apr. 2024
North American golf fans are likely happy to hear that.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2024
These headwinds will likely continue if the IRS wants to renew it for another tax season.
—Julie Zauzmer Weil, Washington Post, 15 Apr. 2024
Your spring calendar is likely filling up with weddings, showers, and other special occasions, so now is an ideal time to make sure your closet is prepared for the action.
—Lauren Fischer, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024
Pulling off the mission as designed would likely cost up to $11 billion, the review board found, with the samples not reaching Earth until at least 2040.
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2024
However, this number is likely higher, as many deaths go unreported.
—Paul Tilsley, Fox News, 14 Apr. 2024
These Black people — part Nigerian, part Cameroonian, part English and Irish — likely took their name from a white man who owned them.
—Donovan X. Ramsey, Rolling Stone, 14 Apr. 2024
Long term, Farmer said changes likely need to be made to roadways themselves.
—Max Filby, The Enquirer, 5 Apr. 2024
Adjective
Testimony from witnesses, and likely from Daniels herself, will offer an insider's view of what happened.
—Erik Larson and Patricia Hurtado Bloomberg News (tns), arkansasonline.com, 15 Apr. 2024
Bulk surveillance under Section 702 was already one of the main reasons for the cancellation of two data-sharing deals that U.S. companies used as a legal basis to serve customers in the EU, and the third such deal (known as the Data Privacy Framework) is likely to be challenged on similar grounds.
—David Meyer, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2024
Chatsworth has taken control of the West Valley League and is the likely No. 1 seed in the City Section.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2024
Large hail, damaging winds, locally heavy rainfall and an isolated tornado are likely from the strong to severe storms, with the highest potential coming Tuesday afternoon, the weather service said.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2024
In this sense, the attack on Israel is likely to enhance normalization with the Saudis, not diminish it.
—Gadi Ezra, TIME, 15 Apr. 2024
The most likely severe weather is forecasted for Tuesday evening and into the overnight hours, with more severe conditions expected in central and southwestern Wisconsin.
—David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2024
The high court’s ruling, likely to land in late June, has the potential to undo the convictions and sentences of those who have already gone to trial or pleaded guilty, and upend the charges still pending for many more.
—Ann E. Marimow, Washington Post, 13 Apr. 2024
More than 10% of households in L.A. County report having a gun, and many of those are likely to have children, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2024
Adverb
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 78.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 16 Apr. 2024
North American golf fans are likely happy to hear that.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2024
These headwinds will likely continue if the IRS wants to renew it for another tax season.
—Julie Zauzmer Weil, Washington Post, 15 Apr. 2024
Your spring calendar is likely filling up with weddings, showers, and other special occasions, so now is an ideal time to make sure your closet is prepared for the action.
—Lauren Fischer, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024
Pulling off the mission as designed would likely cost up to $11 billion, the review board found, with the samples not reaching Earth until at least 2040.
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2024
However, this number is likely higher, as many deaths go unreported.
—Paul Tilsley, Fox News, 14 Apr. 2024
These Black people — part Nigerian, part Cameroonian, part English and Irish — likely took their name from a white man who owned them.
—Donovan X. Ramsey, Rolling Stone, 14 Apr. 2024
Long term, Farmer said changes likely need to be made to roadways themselves.
—Max Filby, The Enquirer, 5 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'likely.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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
Dictionary Entries Near likely
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likely. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
likely
1 of 2 adjective
like·ly
ˈlī-klē 
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
Nglish: Translation of likely for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of likely for Arabic Speakers
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