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
The outlet speculated that the idea is unlikely when Prince William becomes monarch.
—
Janine Henni, People.com, 23 June 2025
Passan and McDaniel noted that a Bregman trade was rather unlikely, though.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
The current geopolitical risk premium is unlikely to last without tangible supply disruptions, analysts said.
—Reuters, USA Today, 23 June 2025
That’s unlikely to change regardless of Haliburton’s health because his effusive, contagious personality even in the face of adversity will continue to be a key feature for Indiana.
—Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Janine Henni, People.com, 23 June 2025
Passan and McDaniel noted that a Bregman trade was rather unlikely, though.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
The current geopolitical risk premium is unlikely to last without tangible supply disruptions, analysts said.
—Reuters, USA Today, 23 June 2025
That’s unlikely to change regardless of Haliburton’s health because his effusive, contagious personality even in the face of adversity will continue to be a key feature for Indiana.
—Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
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But some fear Newsom might even veto the $110 million, although this seems doubtful, given the public anger that could generate.—
George Skelton,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2025
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Whether Baghdad would risk firing these at intruding IAF jets that are not actively attacking targets on its territory is doubtful, given the crushing retaliation doing so would likely incur.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2025
Adjective
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But the mark also represented Hackman's inability to turn down dubious projects.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
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Connecticut now holds the dubious distinction of having the worst regulatory environment in the country, with unaffordable electric bills and toxic relations between PURA and utility companies.—
Edmund H. Mahony,
Hartford Courant,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Dara Torres completes her improbable Olympic comeback, making the U.S. team for the fifth time by winning the 100 freestyle at the U.S. Olympic trials in Omaha, Neb.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2025
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The stadium media tour took place on Lionel Messi’s 38th birthday, a day after the team continued its improbable Club World Cup run by qualifying for the Round of 16 with a tie against Brazilian power Palmeiras.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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Credits are issued by independent registries but the market has faced criticism for inconsistent standards, greenwashing, and questionable impact.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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Chisholm followed that free pass with a questionable sac bunt for the first out of the inning.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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