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
Scientists say swarms can slightly increase the statistical likelihood of a larger earthquake, but only by a very small amount.
—
Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
That’s less a likelihood than a pressure tactic.
—Ian Bremmer, Time, 8 Jan. 2026
Although the closing date has yet to be determined, Nuccio’s in all likelihood will shut its gates sometime in April or May.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
In the analysis, vitamin D supplementation increased the likelihood of returning from prediabetes to normal blood sugar levels by 27% compared with placebo.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
That’s less a likelihood than a pressure tactic.
—Ian Bremmer, Time, 8 Jan. 2026
Although the closing date has yet to be determined, Nuccio’s in all likelihood will shut its gates sometime in April or May.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
In the analysis, vitamin D supplementation increased the likelihood of returning from prediabetes to normal blood sugar levels by 27% compared with placebo.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likelihood
probability
Noun
-
Eastern Oklahoma has the lowest probability at 0%.—
Josh Kelly,
Oklahoman,
9 Jan. 2026
-
When analyzing probabilities, entropy can reflect the amount of uncertainty in an event.—
Lev Akabas,
Sportico.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Likelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likelihood. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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