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
Despite the market volatility, Lauber has a positive outlook, citing recent record initial public offerings and the likelihood of interest rate cuts in the U.S.
—
Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 8 Aug. 2025
Other factors that tend to accelerate hurricane likelihood from August through October include the dissipation of Saharan Dust.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2025
In fact, the research from Resume Genius reveals that the likelihood of having a side hustle decreases as Gen Z workers’ level of formal education increases.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2025
The hurricane center raised its likelihood for development to 50% over the next seven days, as of Tuesday morning.
—Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 8 Aug. 2025
Other factors that tend to accelerate hurricane likelihood from August through October include the dissipation of Saharan Dust.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2025
In fact, the research from Resume Genius reveals that the likelihood of having a side hustle decreases as Gen Z workers’ level of formal education increases.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2025
The hurricane center raised its likelihood for development to 50% over the next seven days, as of Tuesday morning.
—Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likelihood
probability
Noun
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There are two primary strategies to keep in mind: Pre-Earnings Positioning: Evaluate the historical probabilities and take a stance before the earnings announcement.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
3 Aug. 2025
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The Japanese government has repeatedly warned there is a 70-80% chance that Japan will be rocked by another Nankai Trough earthquake within 30 years – leading many scientists to questioning the accuracy of that probability.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
3 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Likelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likelihood. Accessed 15 Aug. 2025.
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