likelihood

noun

like·li·hood | \ ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d

Definition of likelihood

: probability a strong likelihood that he is correct— T. D. Anderson

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about likelihood

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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

Users will have the option to turn Chrome 71’s filtering for abusive experiences on or off, but the likelihood is that most will not opt out. — Dani Deahl, The Verge, "Google releases Chrome 71 with features to block abusive ads," 5 Dec. 2018 However, the chain is working with law enforcement agencies and regulatory authorities, so the likelihood of a continued breach is extremely low. — Michael Simon, PCWorld, "Marriott Starwood hotel data breach FAQ: What 500 million hacked guests need to know," 30 Nov. 2018 The likelihood that people will be able to break through into that echelon is slim. — Ella Cerón, Teen Vogue, "The 2018 Emmys Had a Diversity Problem Because Hollywood Still Isn't Inclusive," 18 Sep. 2018 Significantly enough that the likelihood of a long-suffering nation finding its way into the winners’ circle is far greater than normal. — Martin Rogers, USA TODAY, "The chances a long-suffering nation wins the World Cup is greater than normal," 4 July 2018 In 2020, the great likelihood is that an independent would just split the anti-Trump vote and end up re-electing the President. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Michael Bloomberg Confirms He Will Not Run for President as an Independent," 28 Jan. 2019 The approach could also lessen the likelihood of disease recurrence due to microscopic tumors left behind after surgery. — Jill Kiedaisch, Popular Mechanics, "Nanoparticles That Zap and Kill Cancer Cells Are a Small Solution to Huge Disease," 9 Jan. 2019 However, a recent string of weak Chinese data may increase the likelihood of Chinese government stimulus, and that could slow the fall in copper prices, analysts said. — Amrith Ramkumar, WSJ, "Weak Chinese Data Drags on Copper Prices," 14 Jan. 2019 Like me, Angelina Jolie carries the BRCA-1 mutation that increases the likelihood of ovarian cancer. — Amanda Schupak, SELF, "The Exquisite, Painful Irony of Being a Health Editor With Breast Cancer During Breast Cancer Awareness Month," 19 Oct. 2018

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