likelihood

noun

like·​li·​hood ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce likelihood (audio)
Synonyms of likelihoodnext
: the chance that something will happen : probability
There's very little likelihood of that happening. [=that is very unlikely to happen]
changes that in all likelihood will be made soon [=changes that are very likely to be made soon]
… a strong likelihood that he is correct …—T. D. Anderson
The likelihood of instability might increase because of the economic crisis.—Fareed Zakaria
… could reduce the likelihood of a fire in their convenience store by banning smoking in their building …—Harriet E. Jones et al.

Synonyms of likelihood

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Examples of likelihood in a Sentence

There is a strong likelihood that he will be reelected. the weatherman on TV said that the likelihood of rain today was fairly high
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Raising the temperature increases the likelihood of fusion during those encounters. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026 Those guardrails reduce the likelihood of an incident but don’t eliminate it. — Rick Vanover, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 Fed funds futures traders are pricing in a roughly 76% likelihood of the Fed lifting rates by a quarter percentage point at that gathering, according to CME's FedWatch tool. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026 And dry forests and parched soils significantly increase the likelihood and severity of wildfires. — Ava Berger, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for likelihood

Word History

Etymology

see likely entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of likelihood was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing likelihood

Rhymes for likelihood

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Likelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likelihood. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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