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likely Synonyms
Another word for likely
Choosing another word for likely depends on context, so the 27 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
• adjective (Context 1)
Having a high probability of occurring or being true; probable.
Usage Example
"Rain is the most probable outcome given the dark clouds gathering on the horizon."
Strongest
probable
expected
Strong
anticipated
foreseeable
predictable
possible
Weak
liable
apt
• adverb (Context 2)
In all probability; probably.
Usage Example
"The committee will probably announce its final decision by the end of the week."
Strongest
probably
presumably
Strong
doubtless
conceivably
possibly
Weak
perhaps
• adjective (Context 3)
Apparently suitable, promising, or well-adapted for a particular purpose.
Usage Example
"The scouting committee identified several promising candidates for the scholarship."
Strongest
promising
suitable
Strong
fitting
appropriate
apt
qualified
hopeful
• adjective (Context 4)
Seemingly true or credible; believable (often used ironical in the phrase 'a likely story').
Usage Example
"She offered a plausible explanation for why the accounting records were delayed."
Strongest
plausible
credible
believable
Strong
convincing
reasonable
tenable
sound
Opposites of likely
The opposite of likely shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:
unlikely
improbable
implausible
improbably
unpromising
unbelievable
unsuitable
incredible
• Nearby Words
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Likely. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/likely