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
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Recent Examples of unlikely
If any new buildings are constructed on the land, they must be done in a way that is respectful of the landscape and of the historic architecture, There should be little sense that anything has been built at all, and in Palm Beach, that’s unlikely.
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Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025
But, the debate on water fluoridation is unlikely to recede any time soon.
—Ars Technica, 7 Jan. 2025
Whether or not the deal goes through, consumers are unlikely to get a respite from the ever-increasing monthly subscription fees that can add up to hundreds of dollars.
—Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
Given Wright's extensive history of legal disputes and controversies, this judgment is unlikely to mark the end of his court battles.
—Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unlikely 
Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025
But, the debate on water fluoridation is unlikely to recede any time soon.
—Ars Technica, 7 Jan. 2025
Whether or not the deal goes through, consumers are unlikely to get a respite from the ever-increasing monthly subscription fees that can add up to hundreds of dollars.
—Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
Given Wright's extensive history of legal disputes and controversies, this judgment is unlikely to mark the end of his court battles.
—Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
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The Kings are listing Fox as doubtful against the Warriors due to a right glute contusion.Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 5 Jan. 2025
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Tagovailoa is listed as doubtful while Hill and Jaylen Waddle are questionable.J.J. Bailey, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Barack Obama faced criticism for the dubious legal rationale behind drone strikes targeting U.S. citizens deemed enemy combatants abroad.Victor Menaldo, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025
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When Alyssa's slacker boyfriend steals their rent money, the girls race against the clock to get the funds back to avoid eviction from their dubious landlord, embarking on a series of chaotic escapades across Los Angeles.Jessica Wang, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Grand Theft Hamlet is the chronicle of the improbable production of Hamlet the two men begin to plan in that moment, half internet stunt and half earnest attempt at art made more real by the fact that Grylls joins and starts documenting the action using the in-game camera effect.Alison Willmore, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2025
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Eraserhead improbably landed Lynch his first feature proper, The Elephant Man, when Mel Brooks (its equally improbable producer) fell in love with the director’s esoteric work.Stephen Galloway, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Watson was listed as a full participant and questionable for the game.Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025
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Carter was questionable because of left shoulder soreness.Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near unlikely
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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