as in probability
the quality or state of being likely to occur
the weatherman on TV said that the likelihood of rain today was fairly high
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Recent Examples of likelihood
But this sort of fundamental restructuring would significantly reduce the likelihood of the abuses that Americans have witnessed in recent months—and go a long way toward restoring confidence in the mission of keeping America safe at home.
—
Paul Rosenzweig, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026
Further, there’s a very high likelihood that if Iran acquired nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia and other regional powers would follow soon after.
—Chuck Devore, Twin Cities, 22 Mar. 2026
The likelihood that many would have made that prediction is small.
—W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026
The likelihood of serious or permanent harm is low.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Paul Rosenzweig, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2026
Further, there’s a very high likelihood that if Iran acquired nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia and other regional powers would follow soon after.
—Chuck Devore, Twin Cities, 22 Mar. 2026
The likelihood that many would have made that prediction is small.
—W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026
The likelihood of serious or permanent harm is low.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likelihood
probability
Noun
-
The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Last week, futures traders briefly pushed the probability of a rate increase by the end of 2026 to 52%.—
Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Likelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likelihood. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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