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
The follow-up would be a reversal for Silverstone, who has said in the past that a sequel was unlikely to ever happen.
—
Rance Collins, IndieWire, 5 July 2025
Upon being evicted from the house, life coach Kaitlyn Herman was given an unlikely chance to re-enter the game by competing in a live challenge, which consisted of what looked like a simple puzzle and two and a half minutes to complete it.
—Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 5 July 2025
Instead, Gomes and Roberts insisted the Dodgers’ trade deadline plans are unlikely to be altered in the wake of Muncy’s injury — with the team content to rely on internal options now, while awaiting Muncy’s return later this year.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2025
In the near term, an influx of foreign labor to offset the demographic decline also appears unlikely, given the country's strict immigration policies.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Rance Collins, IndieWire, 5 July 2025
Upon being evicted from the house, life coach Kaitlyn Herman was given an unlikely chance to re-enter the game by competing in a live challenge, which consisted of what looked like a simple puzzle and two and a half minutes to complete it.
—Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 5 July 2025
Instead, Gomes and Roberts insisted the Dodgers’ trade deadline plans are unlikely to be altered in the wake of Muncy’s injury — with the team content to rely on internal options now, while awaiting Muncy’s return later this year.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2025
In the near term, an influx of foreign labor to offset the demographic decline also appears unlikely, given the country's strict immigration policies.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
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After delivering several flops since its inception in 2019, such as Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon, the future of Apple's foray into movies remained doubtful.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 July 2025
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Ticketing companies show support for Donald Trump's executive order, others prove to be doubtful of 'meaningful change' Live Nation, parent company of Ticketmaster, issued a statement supporting Trump's executive order and calling for a cap on resale prices.—
Diana Leyva,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Adjective
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But the mark also represented Hackman's inability to turn down dubious projects.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
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Connecticut now holds the dubious distinction of having the worst regulatory environment in the country, with unaffordable electric bills and toxic relations between PURA and utility companies.—
Edmund H. Mahony,
Hartford Courant,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Dara Torres completes her improbable Olympic comeback, making the U.S. team for the fifth time by winning the 100 freestyle at the U.S. Olympic trials in Omaha, Neb.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2025
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The stadium media tour took place on Lionel Messi’s 38th birthday, a day after the team continued its improbable Club World Cup run by qualifying for the Round of 16 with a tie against Brazilian power Palmeiras.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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Credits are issued by independent registries but the market has faced criticism for inconsistent standards, greenwashing, and questionable impact.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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Chisholm followed that free pass with a questionable sac bunt for the first out of the inning.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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