UNLIKELY Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

unlikely

adjective

ˌən-ˈlī-klē

Definition of unlikely

as in doubtful

not likely to be true or to occur in the unlikely event that the file is deleted or corrupted, you will want to have backup copies available

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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 unlikely The article suggests a one-time California levy is unlikely to trigger a billionaire stampede. — Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 This engine issue seems unlikely to be the cause of the delay, however, as China had been proceeding toward launch in recent days. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 23 Aug. 2026 Jarrell Daniels found an ally in his fight to tamp down gang violence in the most unlikely of people — the prosecutor who put him behind bars for six years. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026 Linebacker Ronnie Harrison has a hamstring injury and is unlikely to play in the preseason finale at home Friday against Atlanta, Hafley said. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unlikely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely

Adjective

For much of last year, Head Start, the federal program that provides child-care and preschool services for low-income families, appeared to have a doubtful future.

— Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2026
Even if the limb could be spared, its future usefulness was doubtful.

— Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of doubtful

Adjective

SpaceX now has the dubious honor of being the first company to deface the moon, after a piece of one of its rockets crashed into Earth’s only natural satellite earlier this month.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 19 Aug. 2026
HoverAir, an imprint of China's Zero Zero Robotics, has the dubious honor of being the first victim of the FCC's foreign drone ban.

— Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of dubious

Adjective

The improbable comeback on Sunday, Alec Bohm’s thrilling walk-off on Friday, the Kyle Schwarber homers into the corn that started the whole thing have dramatically changed the team’s outlook in less than two weeks.

— Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
An improbable preparation that somehow manages to be immediately familiar and comforting, this cheeseburger fried rice is a little peek into all the fun going down at Agnes and Sherman in Houston, one of our Best New Restaurants of 2026.

— Nick Wong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of improbable

Browse Nearby Words

unlikeliness

unlikely

unlikeness

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“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of unlikely

adjective

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