likely

About 108.81 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. adjective Probable; having a greater-than-even chance of occurring.

   Rain is likely later this afternoon.

2. adjective Reasonably to be expected; apparently destined, probable.

   Do you think there's likely to be snow?

3. adjective Appropriate, suitable; believable; promising, having a good potential.

   Jones is a likely candidate for management.

4. adjective Plausible; within the realm of credibility.

   not a very likely excuse.

5. adjective Leading with high probability to some specified outcome.

   a likely recipe for disaster.

6. adjective Attractive; pleasant.

   I found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.

7. adjective Similar; like; alike.
8. noun Something or somebody considered likely.

Similar words

in all probability probably probable prospective plausible presumed presumptive promising verisimilar credible

Often followed by

to that than be the it in have a

Word family

likelier likeliest