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
Released by Samuel Goldwyn Films, Gook follows two Korean American brothers who run a small shoe store and form an unlikely friendship with a young Black girl from their neighborhood during the 1992 Los Angeles riots, as racial tensions and violence escalate around them.
—
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2026
But Kelson has continued experimenting, finding a breakthrough that could lead to a potential cure when Samson becomes an unlikely stoner buddy.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Jan. 2026
Once the dust has settled on yesterday’s news, Alonso is unlikely to be short of offers to return to the world of coaching.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Byrne told InStyle in 2017 of the unlikely chance of their connection.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2026
But Kelson has continued experimenting, finding a breakthrough that could lead to a potential cure when Samson becomes an unlikely stoner buddy.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Jan. 2026
Once the dust has settled on yesterday’s news, Alonso is unlikely to be short of offers to return to the world of coaching.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Byrne told InStyle in 2017 of the unlikely chance of their connection.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
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The Magic will continue to need more of the same from Richardson as the team operates without All-Defensive guard Jalen Suggs, who was ruled out of Tuesday’s contest at Washington after previously being listed as doubtful on the team’s initial injury report due to a right knee Grade 1 MCL bruise.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Jan. 2026
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Fowler and Williams disappointed this season, making a return to Dallas feel doubtful.—
Joseph Hoyt,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Progress updates are posted on his restaurant’s Facebook page, and reactions range from supportive to dubious.—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Jan. 2026
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In addition to the excess and sometimes dubious roof claims in Colorado, the condominiums are uniquely burdened by a shortage of companies offering insurance policies to multi-unit dwellings, especially in large complexes that require multi-million dollar policies with complex terms.—
The Denver Post Editorial Board,
Denver Post,
12 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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This kind of financial fallout was improbable just a few weeks ago, even though Telluride has short spurts of profitability that carry businesses and their employees through the otherwise tight times.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
8 Jan. 2026
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The movie tells the true story of amateur musicians Mike (Hugh Jackman) and Claire (Hudson) Sardina, who meet and fall in love at the Wisconsin State Fair before forming the Neil Diamond tribute duo Lightning and Thunder — and rise to improbable success.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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