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
The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead.
—
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
All of these factors are crystallizing into a greater likelihood of a recession.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
Officials warned that damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines, making travel difficult—especially for high‑profile vehicles—and increasing the likelihood of extended outages.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Rain is likely on Friday, April 3, with the likelihood of precipitation decreasing after Friday night, according to the National Weather Service.
—Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
All of these factors are crystallizing into a greater likelihood of a recession.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
Officials warned that damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines, making travel difficult—especially for high‑profile vehicles—and increasing the likelihood of extended outages.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Rain is likely on Friday, April 3, with the likelihood of precipitation decreasing after Friday night, according to the National Weather Service.
—Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register, 31 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 6 Apr. 2026.
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