1
as in likelihood
the quality or state of being likely to occur
the plot of the movie thriller was exciting and surprising but woefully lacking in probability
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in odds
a measure of how often an event will occur instead of another
the probability of flipping a coin and getting heads 50 times in a row is not good
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of probability
That wavefunction, in turn, dictates the probability of observing this quantum system in a specific state with certain properties, as well as the probability of a transition occurring — spontaneously, even if classically forbidden — through the process of quantum tunneling.
—
Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 8 Oct. 2025
The probability of an Paramount bid for WBD is high, of its getting accepted is high, and of getting the deal past government watchdogs is high.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025
Families could be counseled with a more realistic picture of their child’s probability of developing a disease, rather than assuming every person with the same genetic variant will share the same outcome.
—Santhosh Girirajan, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
Each outcome occurs with a certain probability, which is represented by a mathematical expression called a scattering amplitude.
—Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for probability
Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 8 Oct. 2025
The probability of an Paramount bid for WBD is high, of its getting accepted is high, and of getting the deal past government watchdogs is high.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025
Families could be counseled with a more realistic picture of their child’s probability of developing a disease, rather than assuming every person with the same genetic variant will share the same outcome.
—Santhosh Girirajan, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
Each outcome occurs with a certain probability, which is represented by a mathematical expression called a scattering amplitude.
—Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for probability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probability
likelihood
Noun
-
The likelihood is that this high state of flow could only come from someone who’s taken on what is for them a remarkably hard task and found the work immersive, even soulful.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Treylon Burks is expected to sign with the Commanders' practice squad with a high likelihood of a quick elevation, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Probability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probability. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share