likely

Speech parts

1. likely - Noun

2. likely - Adjective

3. likely - Adverb

5. likely - Adjective Satellite

6. Likely - Proper noun

Meaning

Worthy of belief; probable; credible; as, a likely story.

Having probability; having or giving reason to expect; -- followed by the infinitive; as, it is likely to rain.

Similar; like; alike.

Such as suits; good-looking; pleasing; agreeable; handsome.

Having such qualities as make success probable; well adapted to the place; promising; as, a likely young man; a likely servant.

In all probability; probably.

Source: Webster's dictionary

Synonyms

probable liable potential probably prone predictable plausible credible apt believable expected anticipated presumptive in all likelihood foreseeable
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Antonyms

unlikely not outside particularly poor impossible
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Phrases with the word

be likely likely to most likely very likely hardly likely equally likely

Examples

Associate with people who are likely to improve you. Seneca

I choose the likely man in preference to the rich man; I want a man without money rather than money without a man. Themistocles

Mankind is not likely to salvage civilization unless he can evolve a system of good and evil which is independent of heaven and hell. George Orwell

The father may well be a horse, but it's most likely that the son will be a mule. Tibetan Proverb

Although he who walks behind an elephant may feel very secure, he is likely to get splattered with elephant dung. Lao Proverb

He who stands near the woodcutter is likely to be hit by a splinter. Danish Proverb

Close letter words and terms

likelihood likelily likeliness likely air likely cause likely cause of