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.

Fourteen-time British champion trainer Paul Nicholls has no entries, while Nicky Henderson, who is yet to win the National, is also likely to have no runners with Hyland currently 41st on the list.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

He also said that while artificial intelligence should lower inflation in the long run, all the spending to build it out will likely increases prices in the short run.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

It depicts a grieving Madonna, and would likely have been displayed facing an image of Christ wearing a crown of thorns.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

The case likely would have continued to languish if not for the sergeant’s chance encounter with a professor that fall.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

“How will we explain ourselves? He ain’t likely to believe we’re stargazers.”

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

likely

Example Sentences

Related Words