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 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

Overt leaflet and loudspeaker campaigns, which the US military also used during the Gulf War and in Iraq and Afghanistan, were meant to weaken morale and instill fear (to dubious success).

— Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Though the current protests were sparked by the Kushner’s access to advantages from the Albanian government, the Sazan Island incident was a greater representation of Rama’s many dubious dealings.

— Naomi Tomky, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of dubious

Adjective

The improbable comeback on Sunday, Alec Bohm’s thrilling walk-off on Friday, the Kyle Schwarber homers into the corn that started the whole thing have dramatically changed the team’s outlook in less than two weeks.

— Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
An improbable preparation that somehow manages to be immediately familiar and comforting, this cheeseburger fried rice is a little peek into all the fun going down at Agnes and Sherman in Houston, one of our Best New Restaurants of 2026.

— Nick Wong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unlikely

adjective

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