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
Crescenta Valley has an unlikely new starting quarterback in Julian Savery, who was a running back before suffering a torn ACL and missing the 2025 season.
—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2026
Ballet shoes are unlikely to translate broadly to our customer.
—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
29 June 2026
For now, large-scale unrest remains unlikely, as most Venezuelans remain focused on survival—searching for medicine, shelter, food and missing relatives.
—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
29 June 2026
While a repeat of the 1930s Dust Bowl is unlikely due to modern farming practices, prolonged drought could still impact food production and water supplies.
—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2026
Ballet shoes are unlikely to translate broadly to our customer.
—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
29 June 2026
For now, large-scale unrest remains unlikely, as most Venezuelans remain focused on survival—searching for medicine, shelter, food and missing relatives.
—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
29 June 2026
While a repeat of the 1930s Dust Bowl is unlikely due to modern farming practices, prolonged drought could still impact food production and water supplies.
—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
-
Reece James and Jarell Quansah are both doubtful due to injury, and Tino Livramento is out of the tournament entirely.
-
Jimmy sounds doubtful that Carmy will agree to it.
Adjective
-
The detective was dubious that a rape had occurred, according to his preliminary report.
-
In multiple lawsuits that are now combined, Nutex investors accuse the company of hiding its partnership with HaloMD and say the dubious arrangement exposes the company to further legal risks.
Adjective
-
During oral arguments, attorneys for both trans athletes had questionable moments.
-
If the debt isn't actually yours, is too old to be legally enforceable or is otherwise questionable, negotiating may do more harm than good.
Adjective
-
Belgium also won in the round of 32 on Wednesday behind an improbable comeback over Senegal.
-
To make the matchup even more improbable, the younger Muncy had missed more than a month with a left fifth metacarpal fracture, only being reactivated a few weeks before the Dodgers series.
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
