Another Word for Likely: 12 Synonyms with Examples
“Likely” means probably going to happen or be true. Synonyms vary in how confident they sound.
As an adjective: probably going to happen or be true
- probable
- expected
- anticipated
- liable
- apt
- plausible
- on the cards
As an adverb: probably
- probably
- presumably
- in all likelihood
- no doubt
- doubtless
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- probable
- Formal; common in reports and forecasts.
- expected
- Something people predict or plan for.
- liable
- Likely to happen, usually of something unwelcome: “liable to flood”.
- on the cards
- British and informal: likely to happen.
- presumably
- Assumed to be true based on what you know.
Example sentences
- probable: The most probable cause was a faulty wire.
- expected: Delays are expected on the motorway this weekend.
- liable: The path is liable to flood after heavy rain.
- on the cards: A rise in interest rates is on the cards.
- presumably: Presumably the meeting has been cancelled.
Opposite of likely
- unlikely
- improbable
- doubtful
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “likely”. Check the meaning before you use one.
adjective: potential
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “likely”?
The most useful alternatives are “probable”, “expected”, “anticipated”, “liable”, “apt”. For the main sense (probably going to happen or be true), “probable” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “probable” and “expected”?
probable: Formal; common in reports and forecasts. expected: Something people predict or plan for.
What is the opposite of “likely”?
Common antonyms are “unlikely”, “improbable”, “doubtful”.