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
Youth Use and Poisoning Risks Raise Concern Nicotine pouch use may increase the likelihood of transitioning to other tobacco products, said Jennifer Cofer, DrPH, executive director of the EndTobacco program at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
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Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 12 May 2026
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026
This increases the likelihood of additional upside follow-through in the coming weeks toward next major resistance in the $222-$232 zone, defined partly by the 200-day moving average (MA).
—Katie Stockton, CNBC, 11 May 2026
In the western United States, El Niño tends to be associated with above-average heat and humidity, and these events increase the likelihood of dry and hot conditions across the southern half of the country.
—Denise Chow, NBC news, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 12 May 2026
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026
This increases the likelihood of additional upside follow-through in the coming weeks toward next major resistance in the $222-$232 zone, defined partly by the 200-day moving average (MA).
—Katie Stockton, CNBC, 11 May 2026
In the western United States, El Niño tends to be associated with above-average heat and humidity, and these events increase the likelihood of dry and hot conditions across the southern half of the country.
—Denise Chow, NBC news, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likelihood
probability
Noun
-
Eurasia Group on Monday evening raised the probability of Starmer being ousted this year to 80%, up from 65% previously.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
12 May 2026
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Each discuss significant areas of disturbed weather and the potential for development over the next seven days, including the probability of tropical cyclone formation.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Likelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likelihood. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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