likely
Americanadjective
-
probably or apparently destined (usually followed by an infinitive).
something not likely to happen.
-
seeming like truth, fact, or certainty; reasonably to be believed or expected; believable.
a likely story.
-
seeming to fulfill requirements or expectations; apparently suitable.
a likely place for a restaurant.
- Synonyms:
- appropriate
-
showing promise of achievement or excellence; promising.
a fine, likely young man.
adverb
adjective
-
(usually foll by an infinitive) tending or inclined; apt
likely to rain
-
probable
a likely result
-
believable or feasible; plausible
-
appropriate for a purpose or activity
-
having good possibilities of success
a likely candidate
-
dialect attractive, agreeable, or enjoyable
her likely ways won her many friends
adverb
-
probably or presumably
-
very probably
Usage
Likely in the senses “probably destined” and “probably” is often preceded by a qualifying word like very, more, or quite: The board is very likely to turn down the request. The new system will quite likely increase profits. However, despite statements to the contrary in some usage guides, likely in these senses is standard without such a qualifier in all varieties of English: It will likely be a bitter debate. The shipment will likely arrive on Thursday. See also apt, liable.
Likely as an adverb is preceded by another, intensifying adverb, as in it will very likely rain or it will most likely rain. Its use without an intensifier, as in it will likely rain is regarded as unacceptable by most users of British English, though it is common in colloquial US English
Etymology
Origin of likely
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English likli, from Old Norse līkligr; see like 1, -ly
Explanation
If something's probably true, it's likely. When you walk in the rain, it's likely that your shoes will get wet. Likely is an adjective that's perfect for describing things you can imagine happening, such as the likely destination of next summer's vacation. Any time that something is in the cards, or bound to happen, you can explain that it's likely to happen. Though it's rarely used this way today in American English, one meaning of likely since the 15th century has been "good looking or attractive."
Vocabulary lists containing likely
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 4
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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 3
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
But in Canada, Cardwell contends that supply management is likely "not going anywhere".
From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026
Should asset prices fall sharply, households around the world would feel less wealthy, and likely cut back on spending, weakening economic growth.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
The deal could mean large profits for American companies but also is likely to raise concerns about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026
A poll by the Public Policy Institute of California published earlier this month showed Becerra with support from 61% of likely voters, compared with 36% for Hilton.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026
Because when folks in Sassafras Springs start to tell a story, it’s likely to take a while.
From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney
But plenty of pop stars, from Madonna to Britney Spears, have changed their brand as they age without losing faith from their fans, which means the likelier explanation for Swift’s dip in popularity is financial.
From Salon ● Jul. 8, 2026
That language is expected to come out, an acknowledgment that a cut is now no likelier than a hike.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 2026
But on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, users were likelier to stumble across news while doing something else.
From Barron's ● Jun. 15, 2026
Beijing’s general anxiety about the national-security implications of its growing AI industry is a likelier explanation.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 27, 2026
But, surely, it was likelier my bag'd be here than anywhere else in the wood.
From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell
Currently, the likeliest answer, by some distance, is Manchester United.
From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026
The likeliest outcome for 2032 is the same pattern.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 10, 2026
Film critic Amy Nicholson and film editor Joshua Rothkopf discuss the festival’s muted American presence, the likeliest awards contenders and more in their Cannes preview.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 2026
Now Spirit is gone, robbing us all of the airline likeliest to pester United, Delta, and American into lowering their prices more quickly once fuel prices go down.
From Slate ● May 12, 2026
He figured I’d be the likeliest to grass.
From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.