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
Advertisement Hurricane-force winds that rain down millions of embers result in a higher likelihood of home ignition in general, said California Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant.
—
Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Stay Active Research shows that moderate-intensity exercise can reduce the likelihood of illness.
—Lia Miller, Parents, 17 Jan. 2025
As Waukegan has repeatedly experienced single-digit temperatures followed a few days later by readings 20 to 30 degrees higher, the likelihood of water main breaks followed by boil-water orders has increased significantly.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
Additionally, a Human Rights Watch report last August revealed pregnant women exposed to wildfire smoke have a higher likelihood of adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight.
—Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for likelihood 
Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Stay Active Research shows that moderate-intensity exercise can reduce the likelihood of illness.
—Lia Miller, Parents, 17 Jan. 2025
As Waukegan has repeatedly experienced single-digit temperatures followed a few days later by readings 20 to 30 degrees higher, the likelihood of water main breaks followed by boil-water orders has increased significantly.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
Additionally, a Human Rights Watch report last August revealed pregnant women exposed to wildfire smoke have a higher likelihood of adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight.
—Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for likelihood
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Cite this Entry
“Likelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likelihood. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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