Synonyms for

Likely

Verb / ˈlaɪkli: / Another word for likely — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

having a high probability of occurring or being true

Synonyms & similar words

inallprobability unlikely belike probably potential inalllikelihood probable improbable probable expected possible anticipated apt liable plausible presumed reasonable presumptive credible believeable tenable conceivable imaginable potential promising hopeful

Synonyms by register

Formal

probable plausible credible conceivable

Informal

probably bound to sure to going to

Literary

apt prone

Antonyms

unlikely improbable doubtful remote impossible unfavorable

Common collocations

  • most likely
  • very likely
  • likely to happen
  • likely outcome
  • likely to succeed
  • likely to be
  • likely candidate

Word family

adjective likely
adverb likely

Usage note

As an adjective, 'likely' means having a high probability of occurring or being true. As an adverb, it means probably.

Example sentences

  1. It is likely that he will be late today.
  2. She is likely to get a good grade in her exam.
  3. It is not likely that it will snow in summer.
  4. If you study hard, it is likely that you will pass the test.
  5. It is likely that the store will be closed on Sundays.

Quotes

  • The most likely way for the world to be destroyed, most experts agree, is by accident. That's where we come in; we're computer professionals. We cause accidents.
  • The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.
  • It is not likely that posterity will fall in love with us, but not impossible that it may respect or sympathize; so a man would rather leave behind him the portrait of his spirit than a portrait of his face.

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