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
Speaking to Deadline in London late last year, the star and executive producer of the Apple TV thriller series talked through the mind state of Nelson, a talented business negotiator and ordinary working man who becomes an unlikely hero after a plane hijacking in Season 1.
—
Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026
This unlikely setting — with its miners, ranchers and theater people — offers an unexpected lens on divisions felt by Americans everywhere.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Jan. 2026
But if the government stays open through a short-term fix, funding for those local projects are unlikely to materialize.
—Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 6 Jan. 2026
Legal experts have called the proposal unconstitutional and unlikely to pass.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026
This unlikely setting — with its miners, ranchers and theater people — offers an unexpected lens on divisions felt by Americans everywhere.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Jan. 2026
But if the government stays open through a short-term fix, funding for those local projects are unlikely to materialize.
—Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 6 Jan. 2026
Legal experts have called the proposal unconstitutional and unlikely to pass.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
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The Magic will continue to need more of the same from Richardson as the team operates without All-Defensive guard Jalen Suggs, who was ruled out of Tuesday’s contest at Washington after previously being listed as doubtful on the team’s initial injury report due to a right knee Grade 1 MCL bruise.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Jan. 2026
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Fowler and Williams disappointed this season, making a return to Dallas feel doubtful.—
Joseph Hoyt,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The reporting shows that plenty of fear and uncertainty remain over the untold billions of dollars being poured into wildly unprofitable AI ventures — a dynamic that’s seen AI companies’ valuations skyrocket to record heights, despite dubious prospects of ever turning a profit.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
7 Jan. 2026
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But Davis described the claims as dubious.—
Austin Sanders,
Austin American Statesman,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The ingredient lists are often questionable, loaded with gums, stabilizers, oils, and added sugars that brands throw in to make their products taste and act like real milk.—
Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
7 Jan. 2026
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Outside of those three young players and Cam Skattebo, Schoen has consistently made questionable decisions since landing in New York and has a 22-45-1 record to show for it.—
Jacob Robinson,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This kind of financial fallout was improbable just a few weeks ago, even though Telluride has short spurts of profitability that carry businesses and their employees through the otherwise tight times.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
8 Jan. 2026
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The movie tells the true story of amateur musicians Mike (Hugh Jackman) and Claire (Hudson) Sardina, who meet and fall in love at the Wisconsin State Fair before forming the Neil Diamond tribute duo Lightning and Thunder — and rise to improbable success.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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