adverb
most likely
mohst LYKE-lee
Most likely (adverb) means Very probably; in all probability. Example: “She will most likely be back before six.”
adverb
1
Very probably; in all probability.
"She will most likely be back before six."
"Most likely he never got the message."
adjective
1
Having the highest probability of the options available.
"The most likely cause is a loose connection."
"Who is the most likely candidate for the job?"
How to use most likely
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishProbably, or the best bet out of several.
When to use it
Neutral. Slightly less committal than 'certainly' and slightly stronger than 'possibly'.
Memory tip
As an adverb it needs no 'the'; as an adjective before a noun it usually takes one — 'the most likely cause'.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
most likely outcome
most likely cause
most likely scenario
the most likely explanation
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Fill the gap
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She will _____ be back before six.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
least likely
Related words
Rhymes for most likely
See all rhymes for most likely →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 'most likely' and 'probably'?
They are close to interchangeable as adverbs, both signalling a strong but not certain expectation. 'Most likely' can also work as an adjective ranking options, which 'probably' cannot.
How likely is 'most likely'?
It is a vague quantifier rather than a number, but readers generally take it to mean a good deal better than an even chance — commonly interpreted as somewhere around 70 to 90 per cent.
What is the meaning of most likely?
"most likely" (adverb) means very probably; in all probability.
What is another word for most likely?
Other words for "most likely" include probably, in all likelihood, doubtless, likeliest, most probable.
