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
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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
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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
Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 11 Jan. 2026
On the other hand, parents who came after the boomer generation are more likely to recognize that failure can teach lessons too, like building resilience.
—Holly Garcia, Parents, 11 Jan. 2026
Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025
The stadium name will likely be determined by the District of Columbia Council and National Park Service.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likely
Adjective
However, cases have sharply risen since 2021, likely due to a combination of mutating bacteria and declining rates of vaccination overall, especially among teens getting a booster dose for bacterial meningitis, doctors suggest.
—Adverb
Alex Wong | Getty Images Swelling health insurance premiums will likely have many consequences for households, according to health policy experts.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for likely
Adjective
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Frederique was listed as probable in Miami’s first injury report this week; UM removed the injury designation on subsequent reports.—
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In mid-November, the company readjusted them downward again, and said its sales in 2026 are likely to be impacted by a probable adverse economic and geopolitical environment, and a negative euro-dollar exchange rate to the tune of around 20 million euros, among other factors.—
Adjective
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Browns Cleveland boasts an elite defense led by the league’s best pass rusher, an owner who spends more cash than any other team and a promising nucleus from the 2025 draft class.—
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Creativity, romance and pleasure take on a more serious tone, and a connection could feel both exciting and promising.—
Adjective
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The most plausible entrant may be a late-season episode of Strictly Come Dancing, which could creep into the lower echelons of the top 10.—
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First is that the upbeat thesis is fully rational and plausible.—
Adjective
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These come in a pretty off-white champagne color, along with a cool purple, chocolate brown, and greige (grayish beige).—
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Furniture needs to do more than look pretty to earn its keep.—
Adverb
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The prioritization for that new safety should probably be in coverage skills, because Moehrig and Ransom are known more for their run-stopping and tackling prowesses.—
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Some of these trends have come back around for today’s teens, while others, like Blockbuster, are probably going to remain trapped in the past for good.—
Adjective
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The study offers rare, direct evidence of this process by tracking cool gas across entire galaxies, something that was not possible before large surveys like MaNGA.—
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Ehrlich noted the short careers for college athletes and wondered whether a union for collective bargaining is even possible.—
Adjective
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Bure is keeping her faith — and her Christmas crown — shining bright.—
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Researchers have discovered the brightest and most powerful flare ever seen from a supermassive black hole.—
Adjective
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Years later, in June 2023, the FBI and the Department of Justice said there was no credible evidence of foul play in his death, according to a DOJ report.—
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But that was found not to be a credible threat and everyone is safe.—
Cite this Entry
“Likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likely. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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