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
Despite the outrage, the warrants are unlikely to result in immediate arrests, while neither Israel nor its key ally, the United States, recognizes the court's jurisdiction.
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Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
Molina forms an unlikely bond with his cellmate, a Marxist, Valentin Arregui Paz (Luna).
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024
This seemed unlikely, though, based on the lack of references to manatees in historical accounts.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Nov. 2024
Hundreds opposed Smith’s parole Smith’s chances for parole were already unlikely, as research shows the main factor influencing parole decisions is the presence of a victim or the victim’s family, said Hayden Smith, professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of South Carolina.
—Emma Tucker, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unlikely 
Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
Molina forms an unlikely bond with his cellmate, a Marxist, Valentin Arregui Paz (Luna).
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024
This seemed unlikely, though, based on the lack of references to manatees in historical accounts.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Nov. 2024
Hundreds opposed Smith’s parole Smith’s chances for parole were already unlikely, as research shows the main factor influencing parole decisions is the presence of a victim or the victim’s family, said Hayden Smith, professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of South Carolina.
—Emma Tucker, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
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Now their long-term future in the Tampa Bay region is doubtful, as well.Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024
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For the entire 90 minutes before the live performance portrayed in Saturday Night, Michaels faces the worry that the show won't be ready to go to air between a battling cast, production mishaps and doubtful network executives.Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 12 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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With a popular-vote victory in hand, returning to Washington having previously served as president, and not under the sort of dubious investigation that dogged him in 2017, Trump ought to be better able to navigate the existing structures of our Constitution.The Editors, National Review, 22 Nov. 2024
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People from companies were more dubious about its value.Robert G. Eccles, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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In only four scenarios did Altman return as CEO, showcasing just how improbable the actual outcome was.Charlie Fink, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
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The loss is also somehow the second time this season Chicago has lost on an improbable play as time expired.Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 17 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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My main goal was to save the questionable, fragile relationship, whatever the cost.Taylor Eff, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
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Her Twitter feed contains questionable information, to put it nicely, on a wide range of topics, including vaccines and immigrants.Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near unlikely
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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