likelihood
noun
like·li·hood
ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d 
: the chance that something will happen : probability
There's very little likelihood of that happening. [=that is very unlikely to happen]
changes that in all likelihood will be made soon [=changes that are very likely to be made soon]
… a strong likelihood that he is correct …—
T. D. Anderson
T. D. AndersonThe likelihood of instability might increase because of the economic crisis.—Fareed Zakaria
Fareed Zakaria… could reduce the likelihood of a fire in their convenience store by banning smoking in their building …—Harriet E. Jones et al.
Harriet E. Jones et al.Examples of likelihood in a Sentence
There is a strong likelihood that he will be reelected.
the weatherman on TV said that the likelihood of rain today was fairly high
Recent Examples on the Web
The governor rarely endorses legislation ahead of passage, but his support will likely heavily factor in the likelihood of the bill’s passage.
—Lia Russell
february 20, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
This week alone, oil prices jumped more than 5% as investors priced in a growing likelihood of military action in the Middle East.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
The book highlights how waiting too long limits options and increases the likelihood that an exit will be reactive rather than strategic.
—Matt Emma, jsonline.com, 20 Feb. 2026
The likelihood of that number growing increased once the Mavericks acquired Marvin Bagley III, Khris Middleton, Tyus Jones and AJ Johnson at the trade deadline.
—Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
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Lia Russell
february 20, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
This week alone, oil prices jumped more than 5% as investors priced in a growing likelihood of military action in the Middle East.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
The book highlights how waiting too long limits options and increases the likelihood that an exit will be reactive rather than strategic.
—Matt Emma, jsonline.com, 20 Feb. 2026
The likelihood of that number growing increased once the Mavericks acquired Marvin Bagley III, Khris Middleton, Tyus Jones and AJ Johnson at the trade deadline.
—Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Cite this Entry
“Likelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likelihood. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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likelihood
noun
like·li·hood
ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d
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