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
Games may be the unlikely answer.
—
Nicole Fraenkel, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
The Pleasure Is Yours is full of flourishes like these, an impressive LP from an unlikely duo testing the boundaries of R&B without jumping the rails.
—Marcus J. Moore, Pitchfork, 5 Mar. 2026
Inside, the ornately elegant venue may have seemed like an unlikely setting for Junior H’s melancholy corridos tumbados.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2026
Further complicating air travel this month is the ongoing disruption of flights across the Middle East amid the United States' conflict with Iran – though that's unlikely to impact spring break travelers in North America.
—Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Nicole Fraenkel, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
The Pleasure Is Yours is full of flourishes like these, an impressive LP from an unlikely duo testing the boundaries of R&B without jumping the rails.
—Marcus J. Moore, Pitchfork, 5 Mar. 2026
Inside, the ornately elegant venue may have seemed like an unlikely setting for Junior H’s melancholy corridos tumbados.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2026
Further complicating air travel this month is the ongoing disruption of flights across the Middle East amid the United States' conflict with Iran – though that's unlikely to impact spring break travelers in North America.
—Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
-
The Giants signed left-hander Sam Hentges and right-hander Jason Foley, but Foley is out until midseason while Hentges is doubtful for Opening Day.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
2 Mar. 2026
-
But even Van Patten, who knows her character best, is doubtful.—
Pamela Avila,
USA Today,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
On her new single—a piano ballad of dubious sincerity—Canadian DJ and songwriter Brat Star invokes Paltrow’s greatest role as one-third of a holy trinity of disaffection.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Trump may lead the GOP, but his control of crime is overstated and his support for effective law enforcement is seriously dubious.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The man’s service might be questionable, but his backhands are unparalleled.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Meanwhile, forward Andrew Wiggins, who had been listed with back tendinitis and missed Friday night’s victory in Charlotte, is listed as questionable for Sunday due to toe inflammation.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The prospect of many members of the Iranian security forces—there are more than a million, counting reservists—joining a popular rebellion seems improbable, too.—
Robin Wright,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
-
While January additions may have proven ineffective, Tottenham’s recruitment team’s inaction in addressing glaring issues could result in the most improbable Premier League story since Leicester City’s title win in 2016.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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