improbable

adjective

im·​prob·​a·​ble (ˌ)im-ˈprä-bə-bəl How to pronounce improbable (audio)
-ˈpräb-bəl
Synonyms of improbablenext
: unlikely to be true or to occur
an improbable story
also : unlikely but real or true
their improbable come-from-behind victory
improbably
(ˌ)im-ˈprä-bə-blē How to pronounce improbable (audio)
-ˈpräb-blē
adverb

Synonyms of improbable

Examples of improbable in a Sentence

The team made an improbable comeback. it seems improbable that the two writers never met since they traveled in the same social circles
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Johnson hopes to give onlookers a parting gift Sunday with an improbable Daytona 500 win. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026 Slafkovský had two goals and an assist in a virtuoso performance, and Iowa Wild goaltender Samuel Hlavaj was sensational, stopping 39 of 40 shots, including an 18-save first period that gave his team belief that the improbable was possible. Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026 The pact is the latest sign of improbable life for a franchise that traces its roots back to 1984. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026 Nelson's uncle, Dave Christian, led the famed 1980 team in assists on the way to the improbable semifinal victory over the Soviet Union and gold medal win over Finland in Lake Placid, New York. CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for improbable

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin improbabilis, from in- + probabilis probable

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of improbable was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Improbable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improbable. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

improbable

adjective
im·​prob·​a·​ble (ˈ)im-ˈpräb(-ə)-bəl How to pronounce improbable (audio)
: not probable : unlikely to be true or to occur
improbably adverb

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