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
The duo will write, executive produce and showrun the Superman movie TV spinoff to star Skyler Gisondo, the actor who played Daily Planet photographer and unlikely ladies’ man Jimmy Olsen.
—
Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2025
Equally unlikely to achieve any level of success is Charles Guiteau, another character from humble beginnings.
—David Bianculli, NPR, 10 Nov. 2025
Though that is highly unlikely, crazier things have happened in the NFL.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
This match is unlikely to trouble the UEFA technical analysts, but for entertainment?
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2025
Equally unlikely to achieve any level of success is Charles Guiteau, another character from humble beginnings.
—David Bianculli, NPR, 10 Nov. 2025
Though that is highly unlikely, crazier things have happened in the NFL.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
This match is unlikely to trouble the UEFA technical analysts, but for entertainment?
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
-
Cornerback Rasul Douglas and edge rusher Chop Robinson are doubtful while four other players — running back Ollie Gordon II, tight end Julian Hill as well as safeties Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu — are questionable.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 Nov. 2025
-
If at any point María Luisa hesitated, doubtful about the tastefulness of this colossus, those doubts vanished the moment a representative of the city council delivered a witty and audacious explanation of the arch.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
But all of that assumes that a putsch does succeed, and this is dubious.—
Quico Toro,
The Atlantic,
4 Nov. 2025
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Also, the father in the book is a screenwriter, opening the door for sharp commentary on Hollywood and its dubious attempts at on-screen representation.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Unfortunately, Packers quarterback Jordan Love will go into the game without one of his top receiving threats, who came into the game with a questionable tag.—
Reice Shipley,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
-
You will be awarded with Very Special Records and questionable merchandise in due time.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Borțun learned of his improbable story several years later.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
5 Nov. 2025
-
But Detroit’s improbable comeback remains incomplete.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN Money,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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