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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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 Exploring unlikely and opposing ideas presented by AI can feel disorienting. — Monideepa Tarafdar, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2026 Friday's weaker-than-expected September nonfarm payrolls growth solidified the recent swing in market odds back to just one more hike, with any move at the Fed's meeting later this month seen as unlikely. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026 And when you’re done with that, maybe peruse some of the many other unlikely Doom ports that Ars has covered over the years. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026 Companies that keep it in the founder’s head are unlikely to deploy them at all. — Bonnie Le Page, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unlikely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely

Adjective

Star freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley began the week listed as questionable on the availability report, a step up from his doubtful classification last Wednesday.

— Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Experts, including Higel, are doubtful that the Iraqi government will be able to disarm the Iran-loyal groups even if war between Iran and the US ends.

— Sarah Tamimi, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of doubtful

Adjective

Publicly available information from the Pike case, for instance, suggests that the drug may have been of dubious quality and extravasated during administration by Tennessee prison employees.

— Dr. Jacob Appel, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
The editorial praises the Shedd for trying to save the whales in this time of crisis, even though the animals had a record of previous poor living conditions and dubious care.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of dubious

Adjective

That’s the only real update beyond what has already been announced, including cornerback Xavier Lucas still being out after initially being deemed questionable earlier in the week.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026
Rob Blanchard, spokesman for Lamont’s reelection campaign, countered Wednesday that Fazio recently proposed a questionable income tax-cutting plan that could weaken the state’s strong financial reputation.

— Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of questionable

Adjective

The Arizona State Sun Devils just completed an improbable run to the College Football Playoff only two years removed from the disastrous Herm Edwards era.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026
That’s an improbable description for a longtime Wall Street exec — even more so for one who has spent 26 years climbing the ranks of Goldman Sachs, and who may soon ascend to the CEO job at the storied investment bank.

— Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 1 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unlikely

adjective

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