Definitions

likely

[lahyk-lee] / ˈlaɪk li /

ADJECTIVE

probable, apt, hopeful

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acceptable expected fair feasible inclined possible prone reasonable

WEAK

achievable anticipated assuring attainable believeable conceivable conjecturable credible destined disposed favorite given to imaginable in favor of in the cards in the habit of inferable liable odds-on on the verge of ostensible plausible practicable predisposed presumable promising rational seeming subject to supposable tending thinkable true up-and-coming verisimilar workable

Antonyms

STRONGEST

impossible unlikely unreasonable

WEAK

implausible inapt unforeseeable

ADVERB

probably

Synonyms

STRONGEST

presumably

WEAK

assumably doubtless doubtlessly in all likelihood in all probability like as not most likely no doubt presumptively prima facie seemingly to all appearances

Antonyms

WEAK

improbably unlikely

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.

"But absorbing extra costs is not a sustainable practice for companies. If things get worse, customers are likely to face the heat," he says.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

And by the end of this term, he’ll likely end up with several key legal victories.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

“The rise in oil price will likely deteriorate the terms of trade for many of the Asian economies,” Lui says.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

“If the current de-escalation proves temporary and we see hostilities intensify again, the market would likely begin pricing in that path.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

I watch through the window as he uses bright yellow paint to draw a large letter G on the back of our hopefully unsinkable, but likely very sinkable, cardboard boat.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

likely

Example Sentences

Related Words