likely
adjective
\
Definition of likely
(Entry 1 of 2)
likely
adverbDefinition of likely (Entry 2 of 2)
Keep scrolling for more
Synonyms & Antonyms for likely
Synonyms: Adjective
Synonyms: Adverb
assumably, doubtless, presumably, probably
Antonyms: Adjective
doubtful, dubious, improbable, questionable, unlikely
Antonyms: Adverb
Visit the Thesaurus for More
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. āWill it rain tomorrow?ā āMost likely.ā
Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
Yet though neither party seems likely to revert to the Republicansā former state of corporate vassalage, a sweeping corporate retreat is unlikelier still. — The Economist, "The Kochtopusās garden," 31 Aug. 2019 Use the backups The noon kickoff means heat will be a factor, so both teams seem likely to rotate heavily when possible regardless of their game plan otherwise. — Jon Hale, The Courier-Journal, "Kentucky football vs. Toledo: Three keys to victory and a prediction," 30 Aug. 2019 In the middle of the defense, undrafted free agent Otaro Alaka seems increasingly likely to make the team behind inside linebackers Patrick Onwuasor, Chris Board and Kenny Young. — Childs Walker, baltimoresun.com, "Five Things We Learned from the Ravensā 20-7 preseason win over Washington," 30 Aug. 2019 Appleseed used 2015-16 federal data collected at the district level to show where students of color and students with disabilities are more likely to be referred to law enforcement, shown in the map below. — al, "Report: Police in Alabama schools need specialized training," 30 Aug. 2019 Either way, Michigan seems likely to utilize Hill and his athleticism on defense at some point this season. — Orion Sang, Detroit Free Press, "Why Michigan football's Daxton Hill has plenty of routes to playing time," 29 Aug. 2019 But all said and done, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew doesn't seem likely to unseat the PSL as the unofficial harbinger of fall for pumpkin spice lovers everywhere. — Lauren Saria, azcentral, "Here's what the new Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew really tastes like," 27 Aug. 2019 As reasons to associate with a child rapist, tunnel vision seems less likely than dollars and network effects. — Adam Rogers, WIRED, "Jeffrey Epstein and the Power of Networks," 27 Aug. 2019 Between the two, that streak seems even less likely to fall. — Jack Marrion, Houston Chronicle, "Lamar returns as 18-6A football favorite once again," 26 Aug. 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb
Fans of The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spinoff, Rhoda, likely have been conjuring memories of the quirky, stylish character played by Valerie Harper, who passed away Friday at the age of 80 after a prolonged battle with cancer. — Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, "For a Generation, Valerie Harper's Rhoda Defined Imaginative Boho Style," 31 Aug. 2019 Ballard would likely to have sacrifice a pick -- or a player -- for Hoyer, whose 48-to-30 TD-INT ratio in regular season games is beyond respectable. — Jim Ayello, Indianapolis Star, "Insider: Looking at backup quarterbacks Colts could acquire in coming days," 30 Aug. 2019 Of course, with a height equal to that of NBA legend Shaquille OāNeal, Peppaās career options likely arenāt limited to music. — Megan Mccluskey, Time, "Say Goodbye to the Season With the Best Memes of Summer From Hot Girl Summer to #ChickenWars," 30 Aug. 2019 Though children of all backgrounds would be bused, a significant number would likely be white because of school enrollment trends. — New York Times, "A Suburb Believed in Liberal Ideals. Then Came a New Busing Plan.," 30 Aug. 2019 Storm surges will likely be worse because of a natural phenomenon called king tides, where tides are especially high when the moon is closest to Earth. — National Geographic, "Hurricane Dorianāthe science behind the dangerous storm," 30 Aug. 2019 After a month or so, the Red Mill Inn will add lunch service, opening at 11 a.m. The brunch buffet likely will be around $12 to $14; dinner entrees would be $9 to $16 or $17, Zierath said, and pizza prices would be comparable to prices in the area. — Carol Deptolla, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "The Red Mill restaurant in Brookfield will reopen with new owners, and a return to jazz," 30 Aug. 2019 Yet the news is likely less good for people hoping for greater political rights for Palestinians, Yemenis and other beleaguered populations in the Middle East. — David Mednicoff, The Conversation, "Why increasing Arab-Israeli closeness matters," 29 Aug. 2019 Most likely, her decision was a strategic litigation decision that neither refutes nor corroborates her claims. — Michael Mccann, SI.com, "Examining Every Aspect of the Luke Walton Investigation and Considering Next Steps," 27 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'likely.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for likely
likely
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of likely
(Entry 1 of 2)
likely
adverbEnglish Language Learners Definition of likely (Entry 2 of 2)
See the full definition for likely in the English Language Learners Dictionary
likely
adjective
\
Kids Definition of likely
(Entry 1 of 2)