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
Local stores are unlikely to get as much business.
—
David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2025
If that sounds like an unlikely coupling, that's the point.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025
While voting on the bill is unlikely, the provision banning software tools like virtual private networks, or VPNs, has caused concern over potential government overreach in tech spaces.
—Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
Messi is unlikely to take part due to his call-up to Argentina’s national team, which plays a day earlier vs Venezuela at Hard Rock Stadium.
—Franco Panizo, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2025
If that sounds like an unlikely coupling, that's the point.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025
While voting on the bill is unlikely, the provision banning software tools like virtual private networks, or VPNs, has caused concern over potential government overreach in tech spaces.
—Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
Messi is unlikely to take part due to his call-up to Argentina’s national team, which plays a day earlier vs Venezuela at Hard Rock Stadium.
—Franco Panizo, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
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The Rams will likely be without starting tight end Tyler Higbee (doubtful, hip) and right tackle Rob Havenstein (doubtful, ankle).—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Oct. 2025
-
But some scholars are doubtful that’s routinely happening.—
Lauren Sausser,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
In between, they were beaten by a dubious penalty away to Galatasaray.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Slowing down and speeding up Daisy arrived in his life through his ex-wife, who was moving to a new place that was dubious about pets.—
Neal Rubin,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The cinematic quartet will intersect to capture the band’s improbable journey from Liverpool to the center of global culture, leading to their 1970 breakup.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
8 Oct. 2025
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And unless the Phillies pull off an improbable comeback in Los Angeles, Monday’s disappointment could mark Schwarber's last game in front of home Phillies fans.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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While the talk leading up to the NLDS was about the Dodgers' questionable bullpen, it's been the Phillies' relievers who have been unable to quiet the Dodgers' bats.—
Noah Camras,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
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The chain has also recently reformulated its Member’s Mark brand to replace artificial food dyes and questionable ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, aspartame, and flavorings with natural options.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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