Synonyms for
Likelihood
Definition
the chance of something happening or being true
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Informal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- high likelihood
- low likelihood
- likelihood of success
- likelihood of failure
- likelihood of recurrence
- likelihood ratio
- likelihood of being
- likelihood that
Word family
noun likelihood
adjective likely
Usage note
Likelihood refers to the state or fact of something being likely to happen. It is often used in statistical and scientific contexts. Avoid using it interchangeably with 'possibility' when a high degree of probability is implied.
Example sentences
- The likelihood of getting a snow day tomorrow is high.
- There is a low likelihood of finding a four-leaf clover.
- The likelihood of winning the lottery is very low.
- The likelihood of getting a good grade increases with studying.
- The likelihood of falling asleep in class is high if you don't get enough sleep.
Quotes
'The likelihood that your acts of resistance cannot stop the injustice does not exempt you from acting in what you sincerely and reflectively hold to be the best interests of your community.' - Susan Sontag
'The likelihood of one individual being right increases in direct proportion to the intensity with which others are trying to prove him wrong.' - Harry Lorayne
'The likelihood of one's assumptions increases proportionately with the desire for the outcome.' - Robert Brault