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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 Rivian is not yet profitable and is unlikely to achieve net profitability before 2030. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 6 July 2026 Ohtani, a three-time, two-way All-Star and six-time pick overall, is unlikely to pitch in the game because of a right biceps issue that will push his last prebreak start to next weekend, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. — Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 Set against the backdrop of Indiana University in the early 1980s and inspired by the iconic Little 500 bicycle race, Little Five follows four unlikely young women who come together to chase one impossible dream. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 6 July 2026 Writer-director Tomáš Hodan is developing The Stones Are Rolling to Prague (Kameny se valí do Prahy), a period comedy built around one of the most unlikely and celebrated concerts in post-Communist history. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unlikely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely

Adjective

Reece James and Jarell Quansah are both doubtful due to injury, and Tino Livramento is out of the tournament entirely.

— Christopher Harris, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Jimmy sounds doubtful that Carmy will agree to it.

— Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026

Definition of doubtful

Adjective

The detective was dubious that a rape had occurred, according to his preliminary report.

— Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026
In multiple lawsuits that are now combined, Nutex investors accuse the company of hiding its partnership with HaloMD and say the dubious arrangement exposes the company to further legal risks.

— Tara Bannow, STAT, 29 June 2026

Definition of dubious

Adjective

During oral arguments, attorneys for both trans athletes had questionable moments.

— Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
If the debt isn't actually yours, is too old to be legally enforceable or is otherwise questionable, negotiating may do more harm than good.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 29 June 2026

Definition of questionable

Adjective

Belgium also won in the round of 32 on Wednesday behind an improbable comeback over Senegal.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 2 July 2026
To make the matchup even more improbable, the younger Muncy had missed more than a month with a left fifth metacarpal fracture, only being reactivated a few weeks before the Dodgers series.

— Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of improbable

Browse Nearby Words

unlikeliness

unlikely

unlikeness

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of unlikely

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on unlikely

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

perfunctory

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes