Synonyms of unlikely

unlikely

adjective

ˌən-ˈlī-klē 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• doubtful
• dubious
• questionable
• improbable
• impossible
• bizarre
• odd
• far-fetched
• flimsy
• incredible
• fantastic
• inconceivable
• implausible
• ridiculous
• unthinkable
• unapt
• absurd
• unimaginable
• unbelievable
• foolish
• crazy
• outlandish
• insane
• nonsensical
• unreal
• preposterous
• slight
• outside
• remote
• wild

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• likely
• probable
• possible
• plausible
• conceivable
• potential
• credible
• earthly
• liable
• believable
• imaginable

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unlikely

Read his full profile of Sharma for more on Microsoft’s Xbox strategy and the unlikely non-gamer CEO who has won over the skeptical gaming community. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Having recognized the hysteria, Salem now keeps the history alive, through an unlikely combination of museums dedicated to the witch trials and shops and festivities that celebrate the modern-day practice of, well, witchcraft. — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

Up ⬆ August Diehl, Fatherland The Inglorious Basterds actor likewise has only a handful of scenes in Fatherland, and is probably just as unlikely to gain any sort of awards traction. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026

This strategy is unlikely to work on liberal Israelis, who view this election as the last chance to save their homeland from sliding into dictatorship. — Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026