Meaning & use
likely
Probable, or expected to happen based on the available evidence.
See it in a sentence
Heavy gray clouds suggest that rain is likely later this afternoon.
She is the most likely candidate to win the election.
A note on using this word
Likely can also function as an adverb meaning 'probably,' as in 'she will likely arrive late,' common in American English.
Words with a similar meaning
probableexpected
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. adverb
Probably; used to say something will very likely happen.
They will likely finish the entire project well ahead of schedule.
Make it your own
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