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
Women are less likely to negotiate for better/higher pay out of the gate, and more likely to be paid less throughout their careers due to their having (or likelihood to have) children.
—
Susan Rietano Davey, Hartford Courant, 30 May 2025
Ditto the likelihood of severe storms when the atmosphere is holding a lot of moisture and the oceans are atypically warm.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 30 May 2025
In all likelihood, Adelman’s eventual staff will feature a mix of individuals retained from last season, and a handful of newcomers.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 29 May 2025
For instance, a 2025 study that tracked a large sample of American adults across more than three decades found that their average likelihood of developing dementia between ages 55 to 95 was 42%, and that figure was even higher among women, Black adults and those with genetic risk.
—Jennifer E. Graham-Engeland, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Susan Rietano Davey, Hartford Courant, 30 May 2025
Ditto the likelihood of severe storms when the atmosphere is holding a lot of moisture and the oceans are atypically warm.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 30 May 2025
In all likelihood, Adelman’s eventual staff will feature a mix of individuals retained from last season, and a handful of newcomers.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 29 May 2025
For instance, a 2025 study that tracked a large sample of American adults across more than three decades found that their average likelihood of developing dementia between ages 55 to 95 was 42%, and that figure was even higher among women, Black adults and those with genetic risk.
—Jennifer E. Graham-Engeland, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Recent Examples of Synonyms for likelihood
probability
Noun
-
The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 May 2025
-
The book challenges conventional wisdom about risk, uncertainty, and probability, offering a framework for understanding and navigating a world dominated by the unpredictable.—
Robert Daugherty,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Likelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/likelihood. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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