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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.

The central bank is still likely to raise interest rates in the near future, gradually bringing them to a level that is neither stimulative nor restrictive to the economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Rather than neatly settling the debate, the result showed that snake origins were likely complex, with different branches of the snake family tree preserving different clues about how body shape, habitat, and feeding style evolved.

From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2026

The additional funding of up to £100,000 for the World Pride bid, given to PIL during its legal battle with Joell-Deshields, will likely only intensify questions around due diligence.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

But lawyers told AFP that compensation for plaintiffs like Li likely won't amount to much due to the limited commercial value of an ordinary likeness.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Neither of these seemed likely to be a prominent feature of the city.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing likely

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 4

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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 3

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