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
The Editors, National Review, 28 Apr. 2025
What is certain is that DOGE has already reshaped the federal workforce: More than 100,000 federal workers have been fired or taken buyouts to leave the civil service so far, though ongoing court battles mean that number is likely to change in the coming months.
—Shannon Bond, NPR, 28 Apr. 2025
Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
Over time, however, solar wind and radiation likely siphoned away the Martian atmosphere, gradually thinning it to the point where carbon dioxide began transforming into rock.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Adjective
Since Trump doesn’t like to bow to media feeding frenzies, Hegseth is likely to survive and get another bite of the apple.
—The Editors, National Review, 28 Apr. 2025
What is certain is that DOGE has already reshaped the federal workforce: More than 100,000 federal workers have been fired or taken buyouts to leave the civil service so far, though ongoing court battles mean that number is likely to change in the coming months.
—Shannon Bond, NPR, 28 Apr. 2025
Adverb
Lagarde said there would likely be some re-routing of goods supplied by markets that are facing higher duties, and other policies that do not necessarily link to trade, but fiscal matters and investments, were also at play.
—Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
Over time, however, solar wind and radiation likely siphoned away the Martian atmosphere, gradually thinning it to the point where carbon dioxide began transforming into rock.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likely
Adjective
-
The race for eighth That does not have a glamorous ring to it, but a European prize is probable for whoever comes out on top.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Massive damages To implement their method, the researchers perform lots of individual models, collectively providing the most probable costs and the likely range around them.—
John Timmer,
ArsTechnica,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
During this time, the club managed to avoid relegation from the Premier League, often against the odds, and has enjoyed a promising period towards the end of the 2024/25 season under returning manager David Moyes, who previously managed the club between 2002 and 2013.—
James Nalton,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
-
This strategy is already showing a promising outcome.—
Xandra Harbet,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Even if the text itself seems plausible, the link is a telltale red flag.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Using bioenergetic modeling — a method that uses mathematical simulations to quantify the energy needed to make and break chemical bonds in a biological system — the team attempted to identify a plausible scenario in which life could emerge on Titan.—
Victoria Corless,
Space.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Today's must-shop deals ☕️ Chic kitchen upgrade: Save 33% on the prettiest Café Specialty Drip Coffee Maker that our editors love.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Shoppers are flocking to airy dresses, breezy pants, pretty blouses, and more clothes.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Caldwell and West could probably be had in the fourth round should the Bills strike out on the first two days of the draft.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Someone with white roots and what stylists call level four or five (i.e. very dark) hair is probably not a good candidate, Hurdle acknowledges.—
Lindsy Van Gelder,
Allure,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Yet, potassium bromate is also classified as a possible human carcinogen.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
-
One major change was the installation of visual and audio warning systems to alert pilots of possible throttle misconfigurations.—
Isadora Wandermurem,
Time,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
By all accounts, Woodson is a really bright football player.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
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This recipe skips the mayo and ops for a tangy vinaigrette to keep it light and bright.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Fast evaluation The Titans fell in love with Ward, enough to brush off credible offers to give up the top pick.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
-
The result for future students could be more credible degrees — and fewer low-quality colleges rubber-stamped as legitimate.—
Shahar Ziv,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likely. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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