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
Small amounts of heavy metals and glyphosate are common in the food supply—moderate consumption of these cookies is unlikely to pose health risks.
—
Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025
The current starter for the Steelers is Mason Rudolph, but that seems unlikely to stick, whether through the draft or a different veteran.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
Ben Stevens, brought to Palace in 2015 by Alan Pardew as head of performance analysis, became the assistant sporting director in July 2024 but is unlikely to take on Freedman’s role by himself, even if does adopt more responsibility.
—Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
When Sherry is taken hostage during a robbery, Nathan leverages his unique situation to embark on an unlikely rampage to get her back.
—Tracy Nguyen, refinery29.com, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025
The current starter for the Steelers is Mason Rudolph, but that seems unlikely to stick, whether through the draft or a different veteran.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
Ben Stevens, brought to Palace in 2015 by Alan Pardew as head of performance analysis, became the assistant sporting director in July 2024 but is unlikely to take on Freedman’s role by himself, even if does adopt more responsibility.
—Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
When Sherry is taken hostage during a robbery, Nathan leverages his unique situation to embark on an unlikely rampage to get her back.
—Tracy Nguyen, refinery29.com, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
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Letters penned by women were more likely to use a positive tone and less likely to use doubtful language.—
ByScience News Staff,
science.org,
20 Mar. 2025
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Explain The Next Steps In The Event Of A Data Compromise Individuals are rightfully doubtful about most organizations’ ability to protect their data when breaches frequent headlines, privacy terms are dense and simplicity is rare.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Recent antagonism toward the government workforce, however, has targeted a particular type: the office-dweller, the laptop-user, the knowledge worker who is possibly remote, possibly dead, whose products are indeterminate and, therefore, of dubious value.—
Charlie Tyson,
The New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2025
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During his long television career, Oz's promotion of dubious health products has gotten him into hot water.—
Selena Simmons-Duffin,
NPR,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But the show’s potential for improbable magic is all there, too.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
19 Mar. 2025
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Japanese production company King Records has achieved something close to that improbable scenario with the innovative musical anime feature Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle, which the company says is the world’s first fully interactive theatrical film.—
Patrick Brzeski,
The Hollywood Reporter,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Kings forward Trey Lyles was cleared to play after being listed as questionable with lower back soreness.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacramento Bee,
18 Mar. 2025
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Jokic was listed as questionable for this game and won't play in this contest.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
18 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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