likely 1 of 2

adjective

ˈlī-klē How to pronounce likely (audio)
Definition of likelynext
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

likely

2 of 2

adverb

as in probably
by reasonable assumption the picnic will likely be cancelled if the storm continues

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of likely
Adjective
Promotional pricing is likely as competition tightens, and new formats will deliver better per-serving value than the single-roll SKUs that defined the first wave. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026 Early runs of storm models suggest the system is likely to beeline north while strengthening in the very hot waters of the Gulf. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
Adverb
The Coast Guard said several containers aboard the Grace were also believed to hold illicit fuel likely loaded in Panama, according to vessel tracking data. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026 Similarly, cast and creator’s robust reputation should likely ensure the film secures healthy distribution across Asia and select western markets. — James Marsh, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for likely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likely
  1. probable
  2. promising
  3. plausible
  4. pretty
  5. probably
  6. possible
  7. bright
  8. credible
Adjective
  • He was expected to be cleared this week, but still has not been deemed probable.
    — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
  • If shares can eclipse this mark then upside targets of $135 to $138 are probable.
    — Jay Woods, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of probable
Adjective
  • Tens of millions of American children recently gained access to a promising wealth-building tool, though many of their parents probably aren’t even aware of it.
    — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 6 Oct. 2026
  • For chipmakers, the practical focus of the new center is on reducing the gap between finding a promising material and proving that it can be reliably manufactured at the scale and quality required for semiconductor production.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of promising
Adjective
  • By September 2025, Putin no longer seemed to care as much about plausible deniability, and Russia’s hybrid war campaign became increasingly brazen.
    — Julianne Smith, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026
  • That already sparked a rich-guy race to set up plausible alternative residences elsewhere in the country.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of plausible
Adjective
  • This fall, i’ts all about balancing the pretty with the punchy.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026
  • It’s been a pretty no-notes year thus far for Slayyyter, yet her new song finds her with one big problem on her mind.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of pretty
Adverb
  • The conflict has killed at least 150,000 people, according to conflict monitor ACLED, though aid groups say the real number is probably higher.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The distance from May to October meant that people probably felt a little freer to applaud Busch’s life, without concentrating too much on the details of his tragic and unexpected death.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of probably
Adjective
  • Another 1 to 3 inches of rain is possible through the rest of the weekend, with localized totals exceeding 5 inches, as showers shift toward the Northeast.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Cappu is using the market to meet distributors and other possible partners on the title, with available rights to be confirmed on a per-territory basis.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • Le is particularly fond of the store’s Thai green bananas, which remain bright green even when fully ripe and develop an intensely sweet flavor.
    — Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Leaning into its history, Kessler has outfitted the hotel with installations that channel the Jurassic period, including life size dinosaur skeletons and fossils, backlit in a range of bright colors, displayed throughout the walls.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of bright
Adjective
  • Enríquez argued that lasting economic recovery would be difficult without a legitimate government and that credible elections would help establish confidence among international investors.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Credibility is not only about whether nations successfully signal resolve, but also whether relevant audiences perceive their commitments as credible.
    — Christopher Nichols, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of credible

Browse Nearby Words

likelihood
likely
liken
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Cite this Entry

“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likely. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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