Definitions

likelihood

[lahyk-lee-hood] / ˈlaɪk liˌhʊd /

NOUN

chance of something happening

Synonyms

STRONGEST

possibility probability prospect tendency trend

STRONG

direction liability likeliness plausibility presumption reasonableness toss-up

WEAK

coin flip even break fair shake fifty-fifty fighting chance good chance long shot outside chance shot at strong possibility

Antonyms

STRONGEST

unlikelihood

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The WMO said last month that there was a high likelihood of below-normal rainfall during the critical June-September rainy season in South Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, much of Eritrea, Sudan and western and coastal Kenya.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

Alan Shearer: If you win one group game then the likelihood is you are going to make the last 32, and Scotland's chance is against Haiti.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

Since the start of the Iran conflict, markets have been steadily pricing in a higher likelihood of rate hikes in 2026, according to CME Group data.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

His company sells a polygenic embryo-screening product, which screens prospective parents’ embryos and produces risk scores for their likelihood of developing disease, as well as factors like height, IQ and eye color.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

The third reason we haven’t had any tourists is that even if life has developed on a number of planets within our galaxy, there’s probably little likelihood they’d be interested in us.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos

Vocabulary lists containing likelihood

Statistics and Probability - Middle School

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Because of Mr. Terupt

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Jacob Have I Loved

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!