Alternatives for “More Likely”: Expanding Your English Vocabulary

Understanding synonyms for “more likely” is crucial for enhancing your English vocabulary and improving the precision of your writing and speech. This phrase is commonly used to express probability or expectation, but relying on it repeatedly can make your language sound monotonous.

By mastering a range of alternatives, you can add nuance, sophistication, and clarity to your communication. This article provides a comprehensive guide to synonyms for “more likely,” exploring their meanings, usage, and providing numerous examples to help you confidently incorporate them into your everyday English.

This guide is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners looking to expand their basic vocabulary to advanced speakers aiming to refine their expressive capabilities. Whether you’re writing an academic paper, crafting a business proposal, or simply engaging in casual conversation, this article will equip you with the tools you need to articulate probability with greater accuracy and style.

Definition of “More Likely”
Structural Breakdown
Types and Categories of Synonyms
Examples of Synonyms in Use
Usage Rules for Synonyms
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Practice Exercises
Advanced Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion

Definition of “More Likely”

“More likely” is an adjective phrase used to indicate a higher probability or greater chance of something happening or being true compared to something else. It expresses a degree of likelihood, suggesting that one outcome or possibility is more plausible than another.

The phrase implies a comparison, either explicit or implicit, between different potential outcomes.

In terms of grammatical classification, “more likely” functions as a comparative adjective phrase. The word “more” modifies the adjective “likely,” increasing its intensity and indicating a greater degree of probability.

The phrase is often used adverbially to modify a verb or clause, expressing the likelihood of an action or event.

The phrase “more likely” can be used in various contexts, including:

Predictions: Forecasting future events or outcomes.
Hypotheses: Suggesting a possible explanation for a phenomenon.
Comparisons: Evaluating the relative probability of different scenarios.
Recommendations: Suggesting a course of action based on its likelihood of success.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of “more likely” is relatively straightforward. It consists of two key components:

“More”: This is a comparative adverb that intensifies the adjective “likely.” It indicates a greater degree of the quality being described.
“Likely”: This is an adjective that describes the probability or chance of something happening. It suggests that an event or outcome is plausible or expected.

The phrase “more likely” can be incorporated into sentences in several ways:

As a predicate adjective: “It is more likely that it will rain tomorrow.” Here, “more likely” describes the subject “it.”
As an adverbial modifier: “He is more likely to succeed if he studies hard.” Here, “more likely” modifies the verb “to succeed.”
In comparative constructions: “It is more likely to snow in January than in July.” Here, “more likely” is used in a direct comparison between two possibilities.

Understanding the structural components of “more likely” allows you to effectively substitute it with synonyms while maintaining grammatical accuracy. By recognizing how the phrase functions within a sentence, you can ensure that your chosen alternative fits seamlessly into the context.

Types and Categories of Synonyms

Synonyms for “more likely” can be categorized based on the specific nuance they convey. Some synonyms emphasize probability, while others focus on possibility, expectation, or inclination.

Understanding these nuances will help you choose the most appropriate alternative for your intended meaning.

Probable Synonyms

These synonyms highlight the high degree of likelihood that something will occur. They suggest a strong probability based on available evidence or reasoning.

Likely: This is the base word and a direct synonym.
Very likely: Emphasizes a higher degree of likelihood.
Highly likely: Similar to “very likely,” further emphasizing the probability.
In all probability: Suggests a strong expectation based on available information.
Presumably: Indicates that something is likely based on assumptions.
Probably: A common synonym indicating a good chance of occurrence.

Possible Synonyms

These synonyms suggest that something is within the realm of possibility, although not necessarily highly probable. They indicate that an outcome is feasible or conceivable.

Potentially: Indicates that something has the capacity to happen.
Conceivably: Suggests that something is imaginable or possible.
Feasibly: Indicates that something is practically possible or achievable.
Maybe: A simple expression of possibility.
Perhaps: Similar to “maybe,” suggesting possibility.

Expected Synonyms

These synonyms imply that something is anticipated or predicted based on past experiences or current trends. They suggest that an outcome is in line with what is normally anticipated.

Expectedly: Indicates that something is happening as anticipated.
Predictably: Suggests that something can be foreseen based on known factors.
As expected: Similar to “expectedly,” indicating conformity with expectations.
Almost certainly: Suggests a very high degree of expectation.

Inclined Synonyms

These synonyms suggest a tendency or predisposition towards a particular outcome. They indicate that certain factors are making one outcome more likely than others.

Tending to: Indicates a general direction or inclination.
Liable to: Suggests a susceptibility or vulnerability to something happening.
Prone to: Similar to “liable to,” indicating a tendency towards something.

Odds Synonyms

These synonyms focus on the chances or probabilities associated with an event. They often involve numerical or statistical expressions of likelihood.

Chances are: A common expression indicating a good probability.
The odds are: Similar to “chances are,” emphasizing the probabilities.
It stands to reason: Suggests that something is logical or likely based on reasoning.

Examples of Synonyms in Use

The best way to understand the nuances of these synonyms is to see them in action. The following tables provide numerous examples of how each category of synonym can be used in different contexts.

Examples using Probable Synonyms

This table illustrates the use of probable synonyms in various sentences. Observe how these synonyms convey a strong sense of likelihood.

Original Sentence	Sentence with Probable Synonym
It is more likely that the meeting will be postponed.	It is very likely that the meeting will be postponed.
It is more likely to rain this afternoon.	It is highly likely to rain this afternoon.
She is more likely to pass the exam if she studies hard.	She is probably going to pass the exam if she studies hard.
They are more likely to win the game.	In all probability, they will win the game.
He is more likely to be late.	He is presumably going to be late.
It is more likely that the project will be completed on time.	It is likely that the project will be completed on time.
The stock price is more likely to increase.	The stock price is very likely to increase.
The company is more likely to announce record profits.	The company is highly likely to announce record profits.
The weather is more likely to be sunny tomorrow.	The weather will probably be sunny tomorrow.
The team is more likely to qualify for the finals.	In all probability, the team will qualify for the finals.
She is more likely to get the promotion.	She is presumably going to get the promotion.
The event is more likely to attract a large crowd.	The event is likely to attract a large crowd.
The new policy is more likely to improve efficiency.	The new policy is very likely to improve efficiency.
The research findings are more likely to be accurate.	The research findings are highly likely to be accurate.
The concert is more likely to be a success.	The concert will probably be a success.
The negotiations are more likely to result in an agreement.	In all probability, the negotiations will result in an agreement.
He is more likely to accept the job offer.	He is presumably going to accept the job offer.
The product is more likely to be well-received by customers.	The product is likely to be well-received by customers.
The new technology is more likely to revolutionize the industry.	The new technology is very likely to revolutionize the industry.
The government is more likely to implement the proposed reforms.	The government is highly likely to implement the proposed reforms.
The project is more likely to encounter unforeseen challenges.	The project will probably encounter unforeseen challenges.
The company is more likely to face increased competition.	In all probability, the company will face increased competition.
She is more likely to pursue a career in medicine.	She is presumably going to pursue a career in medicine.
The book is more likely to become a bestseller.	The book is likely to become a bestseller.

Examples using Possible Synonyms

This table provides examples of sentences using possible synonyms. These synonyms indicate that something is within the realm of possibility, but not necessarily highly probable.

Original Sentence	Sentence with Possible Synonym
It is more likely that the company will expand its operations.	The company could potentially expand its operations.
It is more likely to snow in the mountains.	It could conceivably snow in the mountains.
He is more likely to win the lottery.	He could feasibly win the lottery, though it’s unlikely.
She is more likely to change her mind.	She maybe change her mind.
They are more likely to arrive late.	They will perhaps arrive late.
It is more likely that the project will be delayed.	The project could potentially be delayed.
It is more likely to rain during the monsoon season.	It could conceivably rain every day during the monsoon season.
He is more likely to succeed if he takes the initiative.	He could feasibly succeed if he takes the initiative.
She is more likely to accept the invitation.	She maybe accept the invitation.
They are more likely to experience technical difficulties.	They will perhaps experience technical difficulties.
It is more likely that the meeting will be productive.	The meeting could potentially be productive.
It is more likely to see wildlife in the national park.	It could conceivably see wildlife in the national park.
He is more likely to get a promotion if he performs well.	He could feasibly get a promotion if he performs well.
She is more likely to attend the conference.	She maybe attend the conference.
They are more likely to encounter traffic on the highway.	They will perhaps encounter traffic on the highway.
It is more likely that the company will launch a new product.	The company could potentially launch a new product.
It is more likely to see a rainbow after the rain.	It could conceivably see a rainbow after the rain.
He is more likely to win the competition if he practices hard.	He could feasibly win the competition if he practices hard.
She is more likely to agree with the proposal.	She maybe agree with the proposal.
They are more likely to face challenges in the new market.	They will perhaps face challenges in the new market.

Examples using Expected Synonyms

This table showcases the use of expected synonyms, implying that something is anticipated based on past experiences or current trends.

Original Sentence	Sentence with Expected Synonym
It is more likely that the price will increase during peak season.	The price will increase expectedly during peak season.
The market is more likely to react negatively to the news.	The market will react predictably negatively to the news.
The project is more likely to be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.	The project will be delayed as expected due to unforeseen circumstances.
The team is more likely to win the championship.	The team is almost certainly going to win the championship.
The company is more likely to announce record earnings.	The company will expectedly announce record earnings.
The stock market is more likely to fluctuate after the announcement.	The stock market will predictably fluctuate after the announcement.
The event is more likely to attract a large number of attendees.	The event will attract a large number of attendees, as expected.
The new product is more likely to be a success.	The new product is almost certainly going to be a success.
The weather is more likely to be hot during the summer.	The weather will be hot expectedly during the summer.
The economy is more likely to recover in the next quarter.	The economy will recover predictably in the next quarter.
The conference is more likely to be well-attended by industry leaders.	The conference will be well-attended by industry leaders, as expected.
The new technology is more likely to be widely adopted.	The new technology is almost certainly going to be widely adopted.
The company is more likely to face increased competition.	The company will face increased competition expectedly.
The political situation is more likely to remain unstable.	The political situation will remain unstable predictably.
The festival is more likely to draw a large crowd.	The festival will draw a large crowd, as expected.
The new policy is more likely to improve performance.	The new policy is almost certainly going to improve performance.
The project is more likely to encounter delays.	The project will encounter delays expectedly.
The market is more likely to react positively to the new product launch.	The market will react positively to the new product launch predictably.
The concert is more likely to sell out quickly.	The concert will sell out quickly, as expected.
The new law is more likely to face opposition.	The new law is almost certainly going to face opposition.

Examples using Inclined Synonyms

This table demonstrates the use of inclined synonyms, which suggest a tendency or predisposition towards a particular outcome.

Original Sentence	Sentence with Inclined Synonym
He is more likely to make mistakes when he is tired.	He is tending to make mistakes when he is tired.
The old building is more likely to collapse during an earthquake.	The old building is liable to collapse during an earthquake.
She is more likely to catch a cold in the winter.	She is prone to catching a cold in the winter.
The system is more likely to fail under heavy load.	The system is tending to fail under heavy load.
The child is more likely to get into trouble when unsupervised.	The child is liable to get into trouble when unsupervised.
The machine is more likely to break down if not properly maintained.	The machine is prone to break down if not properly maintained.
He is more likely to agree with her on political matters.	He is tending to agree with her on political matters.
The company is more likely to face financial difficulties.	The company is liable to face financial difficulties.
She is more likely to overreact to stressful situations.	She is prone to overreacting to stressful situations.
The software is more likely to have bugs in the initial release.	The software is tending to have bugs in the initial release.
The organization is more likely to experience internal conflicts.	The organization is liable to experience internal conflicts.
The athlete is more likely to get injured during intense training.	The athlete is prone to getting injured during intense training.
He is more likely to procrastinate on difficult tasks.	He is tending to procrastinate on difficult tasks.
The building is more likely to suffer damage from severe weather.	The building is liable to suffer damage from severe weather.
She is more likely to feel anxious before important presentations.	She is prone to feeling anxious before important presentations.
The project is more likely to exceed its budget.	The project is tending to exceed its budget.
The community is more likely to experience population growth.	The community is liable to experience population growth.
The car is more likely to require maintenance after a long journey.	The car is prone to requiring maintenance after a long journey.
He is more likely to be optimistic about the future.	He is tending to be optimistic about the future.
The island is more likely to be affected by rising sea levels.	The island is liable to be affected by rising sea levels.

Examples using Odds Synonyms

This table illustrates the use of odds synonyms, focusing on the chances or probabilities associated with an event.

Original Sentence	Sentence with Odds Synonym
It is more likely that he will win the election.	Chances are he will win the election.
It is more likely that the team will succeed.	The odds are that the team will succeed.
It is more likely that the project will be approved.	It stands to reason that the project will be approved.
It is more likely that she will accept the offer.	Chances are she will accept the offer.
It is more likely that they will arrive on time.	The odds are that they will arrive on time.
It is more likely that the company will expand its market share.	It stands to reason that the company will expand its market share.
It is more likely that the event will attract a large crowd.	Chances are the event will attract a large crowd.
It is more likely that the new product will be successful.	The odds are that the new product will be successful.
It is more likely that the economy will recover.	It stands to reason that the economy will recover.
It is more likely that the negotiations will lead to a resolution.	Chances are the negotiations will lead to a resolution.
It is more likely that the team will win the championship.	The odds are that the team will win the championship.
It is more likely that the new policy will improve efficiency.	It stands to reason that the new policy will improve efficiency.
It is more likely that the research findings will be accurate.	Chances are the research findings will be accurate.
It is more likely that the concert will be a success.	The odds are that the concert will be a success.
It is more likely that the company will announce record profits.	It stands to reason that the company will announce record profits.
It is more likely that the weather will be sunny tomorrow.	Chances are the weather will be sunny tomorrow.
It is more likely that the project will be completed on time.	The odds are that the project will be completed on time.
It is more likely that the stock price will increase.	It stands to reason that the stock price will increase.
It is more likely that she will get the promotion.	Chances are she will get the promotion.
It is more likely that they will accept the proposal.	The odds are that they will accept the proposal.

Usage Rules for Synonyms

While the synonyms for “more likely” share a common core meaning, their usage is governed by specific rules and considerations. Understanding these rules will help you choose the most appropriate synonym for your context.

Formal vs. Informal: Some synonyms, such as “presumably” and “in all probability,” are more formal than others, such as “maybe” and “chances are.” Choose synonyms that align with the overall tone of your writing or speech.
Degree of Certainty: Synonyms like “highly likely” and “almost certainly” convey a greater degree of certainty than synonyms like “potentially” and “perhaps.” Select synonyms that accurately reflect your level of confidence in the outcome.
Contextual Appropriateness: Consider the specific context in which you are using the synonym. For example, in scientific writing, you might prefer “probable” or “likely,” while in casual conversation, “chances are” or “maybe” might be more appropriate.
Grammatical Compatibility: Ensure that the chosen synonym fits grammatically into the sentence. Some synonyms, such as “tending to,” require a specific grammatical structure to be used correctly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using synonyms for “more likely” incorrectly can lead to confusion or miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
It is prone that it will rain.	It is prone to rain.	“Prone” requires the preposition “to.”
Chances are, he is late always.	Chances are, he is always late.	Adverb placement affects the meaning.
The meeting is expected be long.	The meeting is expected to be long.	Infinitive form required after “expected.”
Potentially, he will success.	Potentially, he will succeed.	“Success” is a noun; “succeed” is a verb.
In all probably, it will happen.	In all probability, it will happen.	Correct spelling is important.
He is liable succeed.	He is liable to succeed.	“Liable” requires the preposition “to.”

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of synonyms for “more likely” with these practice exercises. Choose the best synonym to replace “more likely” in each sentence.

It is _______ that the company will announce a new product next month. (likely, maybe)
She is _______ to succeed if she continues to work hard. (probably, liable)
_______, it will rain tomorrow. (Chances are, Expectedly)
The project is _______ to be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. (tending to, possibly)
He is _______ to accept the job offer. (presumably, maybe)
They are _______ to arrive late due to traffic. (prone to, expectedly)
It is _______ that the stock market will fluctuate. (predictably, potentially)
She is _______ to change her mind at the last minute. (liable to, highly likely)
_______, the event will attract a large crowd. (In all probability, Potentially)
The new policy is _______ to improve employee morale. (almost certainly, maybe)

Answer Key:

likely
probably
Chances are
tending to
presumably
expectedly
predictably
liable to
In all probability
almost certainly

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, exploring the nuances of synonyms for “more likely” can lead to a deeper understanding of probability and language. Consider the following advanced topics:

Bayesian Probability: Explore how Bayesian probability can be used to quantify the likelihood of events based on prior knowledge and new evidence.
Linguistic Analysis: Analyze how different synonyms for “more likely” are used in various genres of writing, such as academic papers, news articles, and fiction.
Cross-Cultural Comparisons: Investigate how different languages express probability and likelihood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between “likely” and “probable”?
A: While both words indicate a good chance of something happening, “probable” often suggests a stronger degree of certainty based on evidence or reasoning, while “likely” is more general.
Q: When should I use “chances are” instead of “more likely”?
A: “Chances are” is an informal expression that is suitable for casual conversation. “More likely” is more appropriate for formal writing or speech.
Q: Is “liable to” always negative?
A: “Liable to” often implies a negative consequence, but it can also be used in neutral contexts. The key is whether the outcome is generally undesirable.
Q: How do I choose the best synonym for “more likely” in a given sentence?
A: Consider the context, the degree of certainty you want to convey, and the overall tone of your writing or speech. Choose a synonym that accurately reflects these factors.
Q: Can I use multiple synonyms for “more likely” in the same piece of writing?
A: Yes, using a variety of synonyms can make your writing more engaging and prevent repetition. However, ensure that each synonym is used appropriately and accurately.
Q: What is the grammatical function of “more likely” in a sentence?
A: “More likely” can function as a predicate adjective, describing the subject of a sentence, or as an adverbial modifier, modifying a verb or clause.
Q: Are there any synonyms for “more likely” that I should avoid?
A: Avoid using synonyms that are too informal or colloquial for the context. Also, be cautious of synonyms that have slightly different meanings or connotations.
Q: How can I improve my vocabulary of synonyms for “more likely”?
A: Read widely, pay attention to how different authors and speakers use language, and actively practice incorporating new synonyms into your writing and speech. Use a thesaurus to explore different options and expand your vocabulary.

Conclusion

Mastering synonyms for “more likely” is an essential step in developing a nuanced and sophisticated command of the English language. By understanding the subtle differences in meaning and usage among these alternatives, you can express probability with greater accuracy and style.

This article has provided a comprehensive guide to various synonyms, offering examples, usage rules, and practice exercises to help you confidently incorporate them into your communication.

Remember to consider the context, tone, and degree of certainty when choosing a synonym for “more likely.” With practice and attention to detail, you can expand your vocabulary and enhance your ability to articulate probability in a clear and compelling manner. Continue to explore the richness of the English language, and you will find that your communication skills will continue to grow and improve.