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
In the last century, scientists have found bountiful evidence of complexity and engineering in living systems that seems highly unlikely to have emerged from a world of evolved necessity.
—
Andrew McDiarmid, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
This association is nowhere to be found on TikTok, but the bird does seem to be a common creative inspiration on the platform, an unlikely muse for memes.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
So the $20 million, which the district is unlikely to receive, has been counted as already saved for this year and the following two years.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Kicking off the current streak was an unlikely breakout, low-key Canadian acquisition Heated Rivalry.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Andrew McDiarmid, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
This association is nowhere to be found on TikTok, but the bird does seem to be a common creative inspiration on the platform, an unlikely muse for memes.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
So the $20 million, which the district is unlikely to receive, has been counted as already saved for this year and the following two years.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Kicking off the current streak was an unlikely breakout, low-key Canadian acquisition Heated Rivalry.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
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Former University of Denver Pioneers star and Denver native Troy Terry (upper-body injury) also sounded doubtful.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
20 Jan. 2026
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The team ruled out starting guard Payton Pritchard with left ankle soreness after initially listing him as doubtful.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
17 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Although that is a dubious solution, as companies aren’t likely to hire more people until there is more buying.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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But in the opinions of the two lead detectives on the case, to comment on every single one, to give credence publicly to even the most dubious messages, as Captain Donahoe was doing, only made the department look like a bunch of saps.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 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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The hope that Legette can be a WR1 is over with Tetairoa McMillan in the picture, but even being the team's WR2 seems improbable.—
Steve Bradshaw,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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But Denver has posted a 9-5 record in his absence, an improbable run tied to David Adelman’s empowerment of young players, Jamal Murray’s best season and the stunning offensive development of Peyton Watson.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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