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
-
The Sixers initially listed him as doubtful, then upgraded him to questionable less than 90 minutes before game time.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
-
One explanation is simply that investors are doubtful of new highs in stocks and hedging against risks like the Iran war and crude oil.—
Oliver Renick,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But the Marlins have made dubious decisions in selecting free agent inning-eaters in recent years, with Johnny Cueto, Cal Quantrill and now Paddack all performing below expectation.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
5 May 2026
-
What seems to have gone unnoticed is that his ballroom will only hold 999 people, but the WHCD had 2,600 people in attendance (dubious math, at best).—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
That’s an old, contentious and questionable standard for a discrimination complaint.—
Clarence Page,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2026
-
But Tatum was downgraded to questionable Saturday afternoon, then ruled out less than two hours before tipoff.—
Zack Cox,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
But on this day, improbably, Mexican forces held the line, under maybe the most improbable commander.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
4 May 2026
-
What once felt inevitable now feels improbable.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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