as in probability
the quality or state of being likely to occur
the weatherman on TV said that the likelihood of rain today was fairly high
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Recent Examples of likelihood
No youth, no statistical likelihood.
—
Outside, 10 Feb. 2026
The likelihood increases in older adults, according to the Divers Alert Network, an international nonprofit headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.
—Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Redistricting and the rise in safe House seats, though, has lessened the likelihood of wave elections that would bring huge swings toward one party or the other.
—Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 9 Feb. 2026
And while silver prices can be more volatile than gold prices (one of the key differences between the two precious metals), the likelihood of it fully reversing back to the sub-$50 range is low now.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Outside, 10 Feb. 2026
The likelihood increases in older adults, according to the Divers Alert Network, an international nonprofit headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.
—Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Redistricting and the rise in safe House seats, though, has lessened the likelihood of wave elections that would bring huge swings toward one party or the other.
—Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 9 Feb. 2026
And while silver prices can be more volatile than gold prices (one of the key differences between the two precious metals), the likelihood of it fully reversing back to the sub-$50 range is low now.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likelihood
probability
Noun
-
There’s also a 55% greater chance of obesity and a 40% higher probability of developing type 2 diabetes.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
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The highest probability for fog looks to be along the Balcones Escarpment, with patchy fog also possible across the Coastal Plains and along the Interstate 35 corridor.—
Newsroom Meteorologist,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Likelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likelihood. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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