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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.

It would also likely force Riyadh to spend billions of dollars to bolster defenses and bail out already-limping projects, further straining a budget that’s faced growing deficits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

"As a result, oil prices are likely to remain elevated."

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

A combination of both would have likely pushed stocks even deeper into the red at the close of the first quarter.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

“We knew that Austin was likely going to be out for a little bit of time,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

He imagined every likely reaction by Doc and Jackson, none of them good.

From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.