Likely
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈlaɪkli/ · Part of speech adjective
Quick meaning: Likely is an adjective meaning Probable; having a greater-than-even chance of occurring.
Meaning
Probable; having a greater-than-even chance of occurring.
More Meanings
- (as predicate, followed by to and infinitive) Reasonably to be expected; apparently destined, probable.
- Appropriate, suitable; believable; promising, having a good potential.
- Plausible; within the realm of credibility.
- Leading with high probability to some specified outcome.
- Something or somebody considered likely.
- (archaic) Attractive; pleasant.
- (obsolete) Similar; like; alike.
Example Sentences
Rain is likely later this afternoon.
Do you think there's likely to be snow?
He is likely to succeed at anything he tries.
Still, Saints looked the likeliest to make the breakthrough, and it came when Jonny Evans could only half-clear a long ball and Chaplow took full advantage.
Word Forms
- likelier
- likeliest
- likelies
Synonyms for likely
Depending on context, synonyms include liable, prospective, plausible, potential, promising, probable.
Antonyms for likely
Common opposites include improbable, unlikely.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include probably, probable, prospective, plausible, presumed, presumptive.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.