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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of likely
Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Trump's attempt to convince Americans that there is nothing to see here is likely to be an uphill battle.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 21 July 2025
Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
In one state − Montana − COVID-19 cases are likely declining.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Adjective
Indeed, on the outgoing side, Liverpool is likely to generate significant funds by selling Colombian winger Luis Díaz to Frankfurt’s league competitor Bayern Munich.
—Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Trump's attempt to convince Americans that there is nothing to see here is likely to be an uphill battle.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 21 July 2025
Adverb
The Pixel 8 will likely disappear from the Google store after the Pixel 10 lands in August.
—Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
In one state − Montana − COVID-19 cases are likely declining.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 22 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
-
Meanwhile, Netflix is developing a Pride and Prejudice series with a promising cast that includes Emma Corrin as Elizabeth and Jack Lowden as Darcy.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
19 July 2025
-
Women's health tech faces a trust gap Even with these promising results, trust remains a major barrier in women's health technology.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
19 July 2025
Adjective
-
Given the uncertainty drifting toward that moment, Talarico is just as plausible as anyone—blessed by a podcaster who helped Trump win the White House and the manosphere last year.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
21 July 2025
-
These exotic radio signals were first captured between 2016 and 2018 by NASA’s Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA) instrument, and since then, researchers have been hypothesizing plausible explanations.—
Jay Kakade
July 20,
New Atlas,
20 July 2025
Adjective
-
This film has a pretty, pastel flounciness, which can't be objected to, but the only surprise is Emma’s nosebleed.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
19 July 2025
-
Thankfully, these pretty living room and dining room pieces are live to shop now, starting at $76.—
Carly Totten,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 July 2025
Adverb
-
The most favorable states probably are South Dakota, Nevada, Alaska, and Delaware, but don’t rule out others.—
Bob Carlson,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
By contrast, the images of gay men are more physically suggestive but romantically ambiguous, probably because, although men’s bodies were less policed than women’s, male homosexuality was more widely criminalized.—
Julian Lucas,
New Yorker,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
Boston needs to lock him down as soon as possible to prevent other teams from even having a chance to sign him.—
Drew VonScio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
-
This new licensing platform expands our ability to reach and engage our fan community on Roblox in the deepest way possible – by working directly with them!—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
Owns a favorable athletic profile for a mid-skill with bright green speed and explosion scores.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
20 July 2025
-
Derek is a bright and curious kid who dreams of becoming a scientist one day.—
The Star,
Kansas City Star,
20 July 2025
Adjective
-
There was also no credible evidence found that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals as part of his actions.—
Kate Plummer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
-
Embrace Personal Accountability Being credible and responsible means keeping your word and following through on your promises in a timely manner.—
Cheri Rainey,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likely. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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