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 ArpExamples 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
Ashley Capoot,lora Kolodny, CNBC, 18 May 2026
But among the likely frontrunners is a fixture of San Diego public schools — San Diego Unified board president Richard Barrera, known as a close ally of labor unions and a long-time fixture on the board of the state’s second-largest school district.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026
Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026
The problem is that James turns 42 this year, has not seriously competed for a championship in more than five seasons, and is likely entering the final season of his career.
—Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for likely
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Adjective
Regardless of the ultimate outcome, neither tech magnate is likely to win in the court of public opinion, said University of California at Berkeley Law School professor Stavros Gadinis.
—Ashley Capoot,lora Kolodny, CNBC, 18 May 2026
But among the likely frontrunners is a fixture of San Diego public schools — San Diego Unified board president Richard Barrera, known as a close ally of labor unions and a long-time fixture on the board of the state’s second-largest school district.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026
Adverb
On Tuesday, Wahl said the three victims' actions likely saved 140 children, according to Al Jazeera.
—Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026
The problem is that James turns 42 this year, has not seriously competed for a championship in more than five seasons, and is likely entering the final season of his career.
—Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for likely
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likely. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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