UNLIKELY Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

unlikely

adjective

ˌən-ˈlī-klē

Definition of unlikely

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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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 Keelan Marion, who flashed at times this training camp, is unlikely to be brought back — the Falcons have more receivers above him on their roster. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 30 Aug. 2026 However, a new, stubbier Apple Pencil, reportedly tested for the foldable device, is unlikely to debut alongside it. — David Phelan, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 So for an undrafted player to make the team’s initial 53-man roster was among the most unlikely scenarios in the NFL. — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 No tumor, the doctor reported, but King was unlikely to live a normal life. — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unlikely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely

Adjective

Even if temperatures were to sharply drop, the recovery of most corals is doubtful.

— Peter Prengaman, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026
For much of last year, Head Start, the federal program that provides child-care and preschool services for low-income families, appeared to have a doubtful future.

— Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of doubtful

Adjective

But the unyielding scrutiny over dubious associations doesn’t cut both ways.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
When his distant goddaughter Helena (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) shows up with a dubious interest in researching the Dial, Indy is begrudgingly wrangled into One Last Ride.

— Frank DeRuggiero, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of dubious

Adjective

Wikus van de Merwe (Sharlto Copley) plays a government agent working in the Department of Alien Affairs, who gets caught up in a world of questionable ethics and violence.

— Grace Dean, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
She was recently listed as questionable due to a back injury ahead of a game against the Toronto Tempo, but started both games against the expansion team last week.

— Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of questionable

Adjective

Herald Square is loud, yet our room held a stillness that felt almost improbable one block from Macy's.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Beyond these galleries the museum’s momentum returns, whisking you back to a realm of improbable mesmerizing encounters.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of improbable

Browse Nearby Words

unlikeliness

unlikely

unlikeness

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“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unlikely

adjective

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