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as in odds
a measure of how often an event will occur instead of another the probability of flipping a coin and getting heads 50 times in a row is not good

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 probability The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025 The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above. Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025 In other words, most of his edge comes from low-probability strikes hit with precision and conviction. Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 Parts of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, and Illinois could also see more precipitation than usual, though this was given a lower probability. Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for probability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probability
likelihood
Noun
  • Tyrod Taylor could, in theory, raise the likelihood of winning another game somewhere along the way, but there is no upside.
    Jeff Howe, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • But an elevated inflation reading on Friday could give Fed officials pause, since a rate cut would increase the likelihood of a spike in demand that further drives up prices.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Probability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probability. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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