as in doubtful
not likely to be true or to occur
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Recent Examples of unlikely
The federal government’s recent messaging around gun holders has created a deluge of unlikely Second Amendment advocates — including those previously opposed to or disinterested in gun ownership.
—
Angela Yang, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026
Members of Congress are unlikely to solve this problem on their own without sustained pressure from the public.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026
Many would be shocked to realize that the NFL’s decision to feature Bad Bunny was very unlikely motivated by politics.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 11 Feb. 2026
However, the fire is unlikely to spread, any toxic materials released to the air dissipate within a short distance, and firefighters would monitor the blaze without getting too close.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Angela Yang, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026
Members of Congress are unlikely to solve this problem on their own without sustained pressure from the public.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026
Many would be shocked to realize that the NFL’s decision to feature Bad Bunny was very unlikely motivated by politics.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 11 Feb. 2026
However, the fire is unlikely to spread, any toxic materials released to the air dissipate within a short distance, and firefighters would monitor the blaze without getting too close.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
-
Injury report Heat forward Pelle Larsson is listed as doubtful for Sunday at Washington due to the elbow contusion sustained in Friday night’s loss in Boston, keeping him out for that second half.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
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But even if measles’ severe outcomes were more common, Limaye and others were doubtful that many more Americans would be moved to act.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The three central male characters — Mike, Lou, and Orman — all converge on the archetype of the lone wolf, a dubious label the collaboration-shirking Lou has taken on in his precinct, and one his colleagues are decidedly over.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
11 Feb. 2026
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Lake will retain the ability to undermine the broadcasters, but her expensive, monthslong, legally dubious attempt to destroy them has so far failed.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The wind is getting questionable.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Someone older might have questionable advice for you.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
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.—
Dave Campbell,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Feb. 2026
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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,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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