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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Recent Examples of unlikely
Global streamers are unlikely to ever step into the waters of local news programming, preferring to leave that to terrestrials and public service networks.
—
Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2025
Sources told the outlet that removing the guardianship is unlikely.
—Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025
He’s gone now and is unlikely to come back.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
The career woman who becomes an unlikely mom in Baby Boom.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2025
Sources told the outlet that removing the guardianship is unlikely.
—Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025
He’s gone now and is unlikely to come back.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
The career woman who becomes an unlikely mom in Baby Boom.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
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The Rams will likely be without starting tight end Tyler Higbee (doubtful, hip) and right tackle Rob Havenstein (doubtful, ankle).—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Oct. 2025
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But some scholars are doubtful that’s routinely happening.—
Lauren Sausser,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In between, they were beaten by a dubious penalty away to Galatasaray.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
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Slowing down and speeding up Daisy arrived in his life through his ex-wife, who was moving to a new place that was dubious about pets.—
Neal Rubin,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The cinematic quartet will intersect to capture the band’s improbable journey from Liverpool to the center of global culture, leading to their 1970 breakup.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
8 Oct. 2025
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And unless the Phillies pull off an improbable comeback in Los Angeles, Monday’s disappointment could mark Schwarber's last game in front of home Phillies fans.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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While the talk leading up to the NLDS was about the Dodgers' questionable bullpen, it's been the Phillies' relievers who have been unable to quiet the Dodgers' bats.—
Noah Camras,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
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The chain has also recently reformulated its Member’s Mark brand to replace artificial food dyes and questionable ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, aspartame, and flavorings with natural options.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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