as in probability
the quality or state of being likely to occur
the weatherman on TV said that the likelihood of rain today was fairly high
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Recent Examples of likelihood
The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead.
—
Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
According to Lewkowitz, if a grower abuses the soil, the system ceases to be viable, leaving zero likelihood of success from a sustainability standpoint.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 27 Apr. 2026
However, while the likelihood of a cut this week currently remains low, mortgage interest rates have improved a bit this month and may already be affordable for borrowers.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Those who were diagnosed with stage 4 CKM syndrome had a 30% increased likelihood of having a cancer diagnosis four years later.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
According to Lewkowitz, if a grower abuses the soil, the system ceases to be viable, leaving zero likelihood of success from a sustainability standpoint.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 27 Apr. 2026
However, while the likelihood of a cut this week currently remains low, mortgage interest rates have improved a bit this month and may already be affordable for borrowers.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Those who were diagnosed with stage 4 CKM syndrome had a 30% increased likelihood of having a cancer diagnosis four years later.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likelihood
probability
Noun
-
Personalized treatments could help the field move beyond symptom suppression and toward functional remission, optimizing the probability of therapeutic success and eventually evolving into improved prevention.—
Eric J. Nestler,
STAT,
28 Apr. 2026
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The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Likelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likelihood. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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