adjective

more likely

mor LYKE-lee

More likely (adjective) means having a greater probability of happening or being true than something else. Example: “Rain is more likely on Thursday than on Friday.”

adjective

Having a greater probability of happening or being true than something else.

"Rain is more likely on Thursday than on Friday."

"A software fault is far more likely than sabotage."

adverb

Used to introduce a more plausible explanation, often correcting the one just given.

"He said he was busy — more likely he just forgot."

"More likely than not, the parcel is still at the depot."

How to Use More likely

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt has a better chance of being true or happening.

When to use it

Neutral; used freely in speech, journalism and technical writing.

Memory tip

'More likely' compares two things; 'most likely' picks the top one out of several or means 'probably'.

Easily confused with

likelier most likely → more like

Common pairings

more likely than not far more likely twice as likely significantly more likely

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Rain is _____ on Thursday than on Friday.

Synonyms

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likelier more probable

Antonyms

less likely

Rhymes for more likely

rely comely lonely timely lovely homely widely lively lately rarely barely likely

See all rhymes for more likely →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'more likely' and 'most likely'?

'More likely' is comparative — it weighs one option against another, as in 'snow is more likely than rain'. 'Most likely' is superlative, naming the single strongest possibility, and it also works as a stand-alone way of saying 'probably'.

Is 'likelier' correct instead of 'more likely'?

Yes, 'likelier' is a legitimate comparative form and appears in edited prose. 'More likely' is far commoner and sounds more natural to most readers, especially in speech.