Pronunciations
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/ˈlaɪkli/
Adjective
Probable; having a greater-than-even chance of occurring.
- Examples
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Rain is likely later this afternoon.
More examples (1)
His parents — a restless, titanically self-involved father and a mother who cultivated her inner life in strict solitude — seem a much likelier source for his condition.
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.
Reasonably to be expected; apparently destined, probable.
Usage- infinitive
- with-to
- as predicate
- Synonyms
- Examples
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Do you think there's likely to be snow?
He is likely to succeed at anything he tries.
More examples (3)
In truth, Tottenham never really looked like taking all three points and this defeat means they face a battle to reach the knockout stages - with their next home game against PAOK Salonika on 30 November likely to prove decisive.
People who talk about an imminent possibility of war seldom pose this question: What would North Korea’s leadership get from unleashing a war that they are likely to lose in weeks, if not days?
As Trevor Corson, author of “The Story of Sushi” explains, in Japan, sushi is typically eaten at a bar, where it’s customary for the customer to chat with the chef, who can recommend what’s in season. The short window during which the fish is fresh also makes it more likely to be tastier in Japan.
Appropriate, suitable; believable; promising, having a good potential.
- Examples
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Jones is a likely candidate for management.
The relationship with social status is a likely topic for investigation.
Plausible; within the realm of credibility.
- Examples
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not a very likely excuse.
More examples (1)
The DPRK propagated an extraordinary tale of his birth occurring on Mount Baekdu, one of Korea's most revered sites, being accompanied by shooting stars in the sky. It is more likely that he was born in a small village in the USSR, while his father was serving as a Soviet-backed general during the second world war.
Leading with high probability to some specified outcome.
- Examples
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a likely recipe for disaster.
Attractive; pleasant.
Usage- Archaic
- Examples
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I found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.
Similar; like; alike.
Usage- Obsolete
- Examples
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For love is a celestiall harmonie Of likely harts composed of starres concent
Noun
Something or somebody considered likely.
Adverb
Probably.
Usage- Canada
- US usage
- often
- Synonyms
- see synonyms at probably
- Examples
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Likely he’ll win the election in this economy.
He’ll likely win the election in this economy.
More examples (5)
He likely will win the election in this economy.
Most likely he’ll win the election in this economy.
He’ll most likely win the election in this economy.
He most likely will win the election in this economy.
Dismounting on the sidewalk, their helmets still on, they fall into a lengthy conversation. Their dialogue is known only to them. But there is something the men themselves likely don’t know: About a mile away, from a windowless room, two other men are watching them.
Similarly.
Usage- Canada
- US usage
- Obsolete
- often
Adjective
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
- Antonyms
- Examples
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these services are likely to be available to us all before long
she is likely to forget
More examples (5)
a likely place for a restaurant
the broken limb is likely to fall
rain is likely
a likely topic for investigation
likely candidates for the job
expected to become or be; in prospect
- Synonyms
- Examples
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potential clients
within the realm of credibility
- Examples
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not a very likely excuse
Adverb
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
- Examples
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He is probably out of the country
in all likelihood we are headed for war