Likely vs. Plausible — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Likely and Plausible
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Compare with Definitions
Likely
Such as well might happen or be true; probable
Sales are likely to drop further
It was likely that he would make a televised statement
Speculation on the likely effect of opting out
Plausible
Seemingly or apparently valid, likely, or acceptable; credible
A plausible excuse.
Likely
Apparently suitable; promising
A likely-looking spot
Plausible
Persuasive or ingratiating, especially in an effort to deceive.
Likely
Probably
We will most likely go to a bar
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Plausible
Seemingly or apparently valid, likely, or acceptable; conceivably true or likely.
A plausible excuse
Likely
Possessing or displaying the qualities or characteristics that make something probable
They are likely to become angry with him. See Usage Note at liable.
Plausible
Obtaining approbation; specifically pleasing; apparently right; specious.
A plausible pretext; plausible manners; a plausible delusion
Likely
Within the realm of credibility; plausible
Not a very likely excuse.
Plausible
(obsolete) Worthy of being applauded; praiseworthy; commendable; ready.
Likely
Apparently appropriate or suitable
There were several likely candidates for the job.
Plausible
Worthy of being applauded; praiseworthy; commendable; ready.
Likely
Apt to achieve success or yield a desired outcome; promising
A likely topic for investigation.
Plausible
Obtaining approbation; specifically pleasing; apparently right; specious; as, a plausible pretext; plausible manners; a plausible delusion.
Likely
Attractive; pleasant
Found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.
Plausible
Using specious arguments or discourse; as, a plausible speaker.
Likely
Probably
They'll likely buy a new car soon.
Plausible
Apparently reasonable and valid
Likely
Probable; having a greater-than-even chance of occurring
Rain is likely later this afternoon.
Plausible
Likely but not certain to be or become true or real;
A likely result
He foresaw a probable loss
Likely
Reasonably to be expected; apparently destined, probable
They are likely to become angry with him.
He is likely to succeed at anything he tries.
Plausible
Within the realm of credibility;
Not a very likely excuse
A plausible story
Likely
Appropriate, suitable; believable; having a good potential
Jones is a likely candidate for management.
Plausible
Appearing to merit belief or acceptance;
A credible witness
A plausible story
Likely
Plausible; within the realm of credibility
Not a very likely excuse.
Likely
Promising; apt to achieve success or yield a desired outcome
A likely topic for investigation.
Likely
Attractive; pleasant
I found a likely spot under a shady tree for the picnic.
Likely
(obsolete) Similar; like; alike.
Likely
Something or somebody considered likely.
Likely
(obsolete) Similarly.
Likely
Probably.
Likely he’ll win the election in this economy.
Likely
Worthy of belief; probable; credible; as, a likely story.
It seems likely that he was in hope of being busy and conspicuous.
Likely
Having probability; having or giving reason to expect; - followed by the infinitive; as, it is likely to rain.
Likely
Similar; like; alike.
Likely
Such as suits; good-looking; pleasing; agreeable; handsome.
Likely
Having such qualities as make success probable; well adapted to the place; promising; as, a likely young man; a likely servant.
Likely
Improbable; unlikely; - used ironically; as, a likely story.
Likely
In all probability; probably.
While man was innocent he was likely ignorant of nothing that imported him to know.
Likely
Has a good chance of being the case or of coming about;
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
Likely
Likely but not certain to be or become true or real;
A likely result
He foresaw a probable loss
Likely
Expected to become or be; in prospect;
Potential clients
Expected income
Likely
Within the realm of credibility;
Not a very likely excuse
A plausible story
Likely
With considerable certainty; without much doubt;
He is probably out of the country
In all likelihood we are headed for war
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