as in doubtful
not likely to be true or to occur
in the unlikely event that the file is deleted or corrupted, you will want to have backup copies available
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Recent Examples of unlikely
These are frequently active volcanoes, unlikely to produce a major explosive event, and people in surrounding communities generally know to be wary of them.
—
Quanta Magazine, 8 May 2026
The unlikely union lasted 10 years and the mutual admiration between the two famed figures never diminished.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 7 May 2026
And what’s more is that in the unlikely event something on the 1PM fails, the shoes are designed to be repaired.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
Another cold front passes through Saturday night, but storms are unlikely.
—Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Quanta Magazine, 8 May 2026
The unlikely union lasted 10 years and the mutual admiration between the two famed figures never diminished.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 7 May 2026
And what’s more is that in the unlikely event something on the 1PM fails, the shoes are designed to be repaired.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
Another cold front passes through Saturday night, but storms are unlikely.
—Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
-
On the injury front, Vanderbilt was officially scratched before the game with his pinky finger dislocation after being listed as doubtful.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
-
Cooper was steady most of the series saying Hedman was doubtful for this round.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
3 May 2026
Adjective
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Lepoutre said Chapiron’s project is inspired by real cases in France involving young women who set themselves up as informal practitioners, offering discounted Botox and injections with dubious products.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
13 May 2026
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The administration, though, is gearing up to unleash a slew of other levies under the auspices of a different law that many experts see as less legally dubious than the 10% tariff and the ones the Supreme Court reversed.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN Money,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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On the one hand, background checks and psychological evaluations could help weed out individuals with questionable motives.—
Ava Kofman,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
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The owners of the now-shuttered West Suburban Medical Center faced off in court Friday over the hospital’s future, amid accusations of mismanagement and questionable fund transfers.—
Lisa Schencker,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
But Martín Ojeda pulled a goal back before halftime and completed a hat trick in the second half to seal the improbable comeback.—
Kyle Foley,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 May 2026
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The family ties, spelled out in public records, raise more questions about the already improbable scenario of winning the lottery time and time again, watchdogs say.—
Kairi Lowery,
Miami Herald,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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