What does "likely" mean?
Something or somebody considered likely.
Likely
/ˈlaɪkli/ adj, adv, name, noun
adj, adv, name, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Something or somebody considered likely.
- Grammar: likely is listed as adj, adv, name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: a propos, able, acceptable, ad rem.
- Useful contrasts: certainly, definitely, dünne luft.
- Usage evidence: At this rate, we're not likely to be done before the end of the week.
How to use "likely"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "likely" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "likely" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "likely" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "likely" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "likely" is acting as adj, adv, name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "a propos" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "likely", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Something or somebody considered likely.
Adjective
- 1 Probable; having a greater-than-even chance of occurring.
"Rain is likely later this afternoon."
- 2 Reasonably to be expected; apparently destined, probable. infinitive, with-to
"Do you think there's likely to be snow?"
- 3 Appropriate, suitable; believable; promising, having a good potential.
"Jones is a likely candidate for management."
- 4 Plausible; within the realm of credibility.
"not a very likely excuse."
- 5 Leading with high probability to some specified outcome.
"a likely recipe for disaster."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 Attractive; pleasant. archaic
"I found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic."
- 7 Similar; like; alike. obsolete
"For love is a celestiall harmonie Of likely harts composed of starres concent"
Adjective
- 1 within the realm of credibility wordnet
- 2 has a good chance of being the case or of coming about wordnet
- 3 expected to become or be; in prospect wordnet
Adverb
- 1 Probably. US
"Likely he’ll win the election in this economy."
- 2 Similarly. US, obsolete
Adverb
- 1 with considerable certainty; without much doubt wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname. countable, uncountable
- 2 A census-designated place in Modoc County, California, United States. countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"At this rate, we're not likely to be done before the end of the week."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "likely"?
Common synonyms include: a propos, able, acceptable, ad rem, adapted, advantageous.
How do you use "likely" in a sentence?
At this rate, we're not likely to be done before the end of the week.
How do you pronounce "likely"?
Pronounced /ˈlaɪkli/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English likely, likly, lykly, likliche, from Old English ġelīclīċ (“suitable”) and Old Norse líkligr (“likely”) (probably independent formations), equivalent to like + -ly (adjectival suffix).
Etymology 2
From Middle English likely, likly, lykly, likliche, from Old English ġelīclīċe (“equally”) and Old Norse líkliga, glíkliga (“likely”), both from Proto-Germanic *līkalīka, equivalent to like + -ly (adverbial suffix).