Main entry: likely
Definition: within the realm of credibility
Usage: not a very likely excuse
Main entry: likely
Definition: has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
Usage: these services are likely to be available to us all before long; she is likely to forget; a likely place for a restaurant; the broken limb is likely to fall; rain is likely; a likely topic for investigation; likely candidates for the job
Definition: likely but not certain to be or become true or real
Usage: a likely result; he foresaw a probable loss
Definition: expected to become or be; in prospect
Usage: potential clients
Main entry: in all likelihood, in all probability, probably, likely, belike
Definition: with considerable certainty; without much doubt
Usage: He is probably out of the country; in all likelihood we are headed for war