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.

There are masks that can filter both and likely offer significant protection.

From The Wall Street Journal

Gathering to enjoy shared laughter is not only nothing new, experts say, it is likely to be pre-human.

From BBC

What a mess, and the story is likely to smolder into the new year.

From Los Angeles Times

As a result, the Met Office cannot say with certainty that 2025 will be the hottest year, but it is the most likely outcome.

From BBC

After a short-term recovery in prices, the potential for significant upsides are likely to be limited, they add.

From The Wall Street Journal