a. [ Compar. Likelier superl. Likeliest. ] [ That is, like-like. See Like, a. ] 1. Worthy of belief; probable; credible; as, a likely story. [ 1913 Webster ]
It seems likely that he was in hope of being busy and conspicuous. Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Having probability; having or giving reason to expect; -- followed by the infinitive; as, it is likely to rain. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. Similar; like; alike. [ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. Such as suits; good-looking; pleasing; agreeable; handsome. Shak. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
5. Having such qualities as make success probable; well adapted to the place; promising; as, a likely young man; a likely servant. [ 1913 Webster ]
6. Improbable; unlikely; -- used ironically; as, a likely story. [ informal ] [ PJC ]