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
Brit Morse, Fortune, 9 July 2025
There are likely thousands of Dixon fans who co-sign that admission.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025
Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
In late May, over 200 loan recipients had their date of birth data voided, the USDA source explained, meaning that their loan accounts with FSA will likely be cancelled.
—Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Adjective
And as a result, these workers are twice as likely to consider quitting their jobs, the report finds.
—Brit Morse, Fortune, 9 July 2025
There are likely thousands of Dixon fans who co-sign that admission.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025
Adverb
On that point, Hollywood labor leaders would likely not disagree.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
In late May, over 200 loan recipients had their date of birth data voided, the USDA source explained, meaning that their loan accounts with FSA will likely be cancelled.
—Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likely
Adjective
-
These protections demonstrate genuine respect for privacy rights while preserving evidentiary value, making cooperation more likely and court approval more probable.—
Lars Daniel,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
According to the University of Florida, 100% eradication of this ant is not probable in areas where it is established.—
Kim Luciani,
The Enquirer,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Stark noted that ascension has made Suarez one of the most promising pending free agents in the sport.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
-
His firing came on the same day two of the team’s most promising young stars, outfielder James Wood and pitcher Mackenzie Gore, made the National League All-Star team for the first time.—
Dan Schlossberg,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
Ringer said the most plausible explanation for Grok’s search for Musk’s guidance is assuming the person is asking for the opinions of xAI or Musk.—
Matt O’Brien,
Los Angeles Times,
12 July 2025
-
For a multitude of plausible technical reasons, the AI could readily emit a statement or piece of advice that lacks any semblance of common sense and goes entirely out of bounds.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Knife sets, coffee makers, and pretty plates round out the non-regrettable basics to pick up.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
People.com,
8 July 2025
-
Don't fuss with homemade pie crust and latticework—this simple galette is just as pretty but way easier.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
7 July 2025
Adverb
-
Every mistake is probably magnified with a ball — and guys on base — getting barreled somewhere.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 July 2025
-
Early autos were probably targeted by horse and carriage people.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 July 2025
Adjective
-
Signs of a possible reconciliation between Harry and King Charles might be on the horizon, however, after senior aides from both sides held a meeting in London last week in an apparent olive branch move.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
15 July 2025
-
Don’t try to work as explosively as possible; instead, focus on proper form and mastering the movement pattern.—
Jenny McCoy,
SELF,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
Snag them in this classic black color, or choose from 21 other color options, including bold patterns and bright hues.—
Genevieve Cepeda,
Travel + Leisure,
8 July 2025
-
Refreshing, vibrant, and very satisfying with a bright cleansing finish.—
Liz Thach,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
What most defines Price’s writing is his dialogue—a precise and comic urban argot that lends his work a credible feeling of immersion and translates well from the page to the screen.—
Kevin Lozano,
New Yorker,
6 July 2025
-
Numerous credible monitoring businesses offer account alerts that are highly beneficial in the pursuit of awareness.—
Chuck Brooks,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likely. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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