improbable

adjective

im·prob·a·ble | \ (ˌ)im-ˈprä-bə-bəl

How to pronounce improbable (audio)

, -ˈpräb-bəl \

Definition of improbable

: unlikely to be true or to occur also : unlikely but real or true

Other Words from improbable Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about improbable

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from improbable

improbability \ (ˌ)im-ˌprä-bə-ˈbi-lə-tē

\ noun

improbably \ (ˌ)im-ˈprä-bə-blē

, -ˈpräb-blē \ adverb

Synonyms & Antonyms for improbable

Synonyms

Antonyms

likely,
probable

Examples of improbable in a Sentence

The team made an improbable comeback. it seems improbable that the two writers never met since they traveled in the same social circles

Recent Examples on the Web Though Woods' path forward is unclear, what is clear is how many people are rooting for him, for his legacy, and for all the years of his influence and greatness to rise again with one more shining, improbable victory. — Aj Willingham, CNN, "Tiger Woods made us realize it's ok to love an imperfect athlete," 25 Feb. 2021 Charlotte's Terry Rozier received the pass, took a few dribbles to his left, and hit a jumper as time expired to steal what was an improbable victory just nine seconds prior. — Don Yaeger, Forbes, "After Failure, Here Are 2 Indicators For Future Success Learned From NBA Champs," 24 Feb. 2021 There is growing consensus that intelligent life here may well have depended on improbable contingencies such as the Chicxulub asteroid impact, sixty-six million years ago, which obliterated the dinosaurs. — The New Yorker, "The Mail," 8 Feb. 2021 The Atlanta Falcons led the New England Patriots 28-3 midway through the third quarter before Tom Brady led the Patriots on an improbable comeback that resulted in something that had never happened before and hasn’t happened since. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, "Super Bowl LV: What if there’s a tie? Here are the overtime rules," 7 Feb. 2021 Or use it as a mold for Jell-o Waldorf Salad, as wobbly as Seahawk Jermaine Kearse’s improbable catch in Super Bowl XLIX. — Mackenzie Chung Fegan, Bon Appétit, "No Super Bowl Is Complete Without a Super Bundt," 2 Feb. 2021 But, if the University of Utah ultimately failed to complete its improbable comeback in Boulder, what would the point of that big second half have been? — Josh Newman, The Salt Lake Tribune, "Utah Runnin’ Utes’ Alfonso Plummer was the hero, but late Pelle Larsson defensive stand secures win at Colorado," 30 Jan. 2021 The improbable arrival of Russian table tennis on the betting scene was swift and opportune. — New York Times, "Think Americans Wouldn’t Wager on Russian Table Tennis? Care to Bet?," 25 Jan. 2021 An impeachment effort in the House would require the votes of 67 senators to convict, an improbable proposition given the upper chamber's current composition. — Carly Roman, Washington Examiner, "Assistant speaker: House Democrats could start second Trump impeachment 'mid-next week'," 8 Jan. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'improbable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about improbable

Dictionary Entries near improbable

Statistics for improbable

Last Updated

4 Mar 2021

Cite this Entry

“Improbable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improbable. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for improbable

improbable

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of improbable

: not probable : not likely to be true or to happen

See the full definition for improbable in the English Language Learners Dictionary

improbable

adjective

im·prob·a·ble | \ im-ˈprä-bə-bəl

\

Kids Definition of improbable

: not likely : not probable improbable stories

Keep scrolling for more

Comments on improbable

What made you want to look up improbable? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

abhor

Listen to the pronunciation of abhor

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Who Knew?

What is a ruelle?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ

Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ