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
Many experts say that far more ambitious objective is unlikely to be achieved without cutting major federal programs like Social Security and Medicare, which President Trump has vowed not to touch.
—
Alain Sherter, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2025
Newsom has also asked foreign nations to exempt California from retaliatory tariffs, which experts say is unlikely.
—Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025
An eruption is unlikely for now Typically, gases like water and carbon dioxide can separate and form bubbles during the rise and decompression of magma.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
Replacing him will not be easy and is unlikely to be done simply by signing another right-back to take his spot.
—James Nalton, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Alain Sherter, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2025
Newsom has also asked foreign nations to exempt California from retaliatory tariffs, which experts say is unlikely.
—Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025
An eruption is unlikely for now Typically, gases like water and carbon dioxide can separate and form bubbles during the rise and decompression of magma.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
Replacing him will not be easy and is unlikely to be done simply by signing another right-back to take his spot.
—James Nalton, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
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But the official was doubtful there were many who would want to take the job at a Pentagon that is in such disarray.—
Quil Lawrence,
NPR,
25 Apr. 2025
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The winner’s kids were equally doubtful, the man told lottery officials, so the man scanned the ticket to prove his million-dollar win was real.—
Kate Linderman,
Kansas City Star,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Given the volume of legally dubious activity, some of the administration’s unlawful actions will inevitably advance before litigation can stop them.—
Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar,
Foreign Affairs,
18 Apr. 2025
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In The Hulk, Ross uses dubious means to hunt down Bruce Banner.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Although some relief could be found in 'deals' with certain countries, or as part of a market-calming exercise, a complete unwinding is deeply improbable.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
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The Heat did that in 2023 on its way to an improbable playoff run that ended with a loss to the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The data shows high growth but questionable profitability: AI funding reached a record $100.4 billion in 2024, with mega-rounds accounting for 69% of funding.—
Sajal Singh,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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Whether that trough also brings rain with it is far more questionable.—
Rick Hurd,
Mercury News,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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