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.

China's success will likely continue in 2026 as Chinese goods and services become more deeply entrenched into global businesses, said Elms.

From BBC

Assuming Saks Global is able to reorganize and emerge from bankruptcy, it will likely be a smaller entity with fewer stores.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Los Angeles fires in January and Hurricane Melissa in October were just two examples of extreme weather that scientists have found were likely fuelled to some extent by climate change.

From BBC

BBC Verify has examined what we know about how the Scottish budget is likely to affect different groups across the country.

From BBC

And when households face less financial flexibility, they are more likely to miss payments, draw down their savings, or exit the banking system altogether.

From Barron's

likely

Example Sentences

Related Words