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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of unlikely
The outlet speculated that the idea is unlikely when Prince William becomes monarch.
—
Janine Henni, People.com, 23 June 2025
Passan and McDaniel noted that a Bregman trade was rather unlikely, though.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
The current geopolitical risk premium is unlikely to last without tangible supply disruptions, analysts said.
—Reuters, USA Today, 23 June 2025
That’s unlikely to change regardless of Haliburton’s health because his effusive, contagious personality even in the face of adversity will continue to be a key feature for Indiana.
—Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Janine Henni, People.com, 23 June 2025
Passan and McDaniel noted that a Bregman trade was rather unlikely, though.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
The current geopolitical risk premium is unlikely to last without tangible supply disruptions, analysts said.
—Reuters, USA Today, 23 June 2025
That’s unlikely to change regardless of Haliburton’s health because his effusive, contagious personality even in the face of adversity will continue to be a key feature for Indiana.
—Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
-
But some fear Newsom might even veto the $110 million, although this seems doubtful, given the public anger that could generate.—
George Skelton,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2025
-
Whether Baghdad would risk firing these at intruding IAF jets that are not actively attacking targets on its territory is doubtful, given the crushing retaliation doing so would likely incur.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2025
Adjective
-
But another piece of it is in the dubious nature of the state’s creation.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
20 June 2025
-
The inconsistency of the geographical settings goes hand in hand with the how their American protagonists are depicted as inept operators whose heroism is ambiguous Soon after his arrival in Saigon, Andrews mistakes an advertisement for a dubious massage parlor as a clue from a local contact.—
H.M.A. Leow,
JSTOR Daily,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
Indiana had pulled off improbable comebacks all playoffs long.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
23 June 2025
-
Crooked Stick, the site of John Daly’s improbable 1991 PGA Championship win, returns to the list.—
Tim Corlett,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
However, based on the questionable quality of the data, not all experts are convinced that the AI model is accurate.—
Joanna Thompson,
Space.com,
21 June 2025
-
The market was split between natural products that didn’t perform and luxury beauty loaded with questionable ingredients.—
Megan Bruneau,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share