Likely
Likely adjective - Having a high chance of occurring.
Usage example: if you don't graduate from high school, your likely fate is a low-paying job
Probable is a synonym for likely in belief topic. In some cases you can use "Probable" instead the word "Likely" as an adjective or a noun, when it comes to topics like inclined, conditional. popular alternative
Nearby Word: like
Probable
Probable adjective - Worthy of being accepted as true or reasonable.
Usage example: the counselor could find no probable reason for the girl's bizarre actions
Likely is a synonym for probable in belief topic. You can use "Likely" instead the word "Probable" as an adjective or an adverb, if it concerns topics such as property, inclined, conditional. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
Both words in one sentence
- Despite stereotypes that Canadian politicians are better behaved in this respect, it is just more probable that the Canadian media are less likely to report on it and/or the Canadian populace less inclined to care.
Source: Useful Notes / Canadian Politics -
However, Rachel has called them out for their shoddy research and probable bias conservative figures are far more likely to get a pass from them.
Source: Series / The Rachel Maddow Show - Assuming Cyador is a descendant of the ancient Rationalist Demons (as seems probable) they were using laser-based tech, and the towers were likely fusion, not fission.
Source: Medieval Stasis
Cite this Source
Probable and Likely. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 14, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/likely/probable
Likely & Probable. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/likely/probable>.
Probable or Likely. 2016. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/likely/probable.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "likely" and "probable" have occurred on timeline