not likely

ADJECTIVE

unlikely

Synonyms

STRONGEST

absurd implausible improbable inconceivable incredible rare remote strange unbelievable

WEAK

contrary doubtful dubious faint out of the ordinary outside chance questionable slight unconvincing unheard-of unimaginable untoward

Antonyms

STRONGEST

believable common credible likely plausible possible probable reasonable regular tenable usual

WEAK

imaginable probably

ADVERB

hardly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

barely comparatively practically rarely seldom simply somewhat

STRONG

just

WEAK

almost inconceivably almost not by a hair by no means detectably faintly gradually imperceptibly infrequently little no more than no way not a bit not at all not by much not markedly not measurably not much not notably not noticeably not often not quite once in a blue moon only only just perceptibly pretty near scantly slightly sparsely sporadically with trouble

Antonyms

STRONGEST

frequently

WEAK

very

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.

It is understood the funds available are not likely to change, but that Jarvis will have an opportunity to reassess the spending priorities.

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2026

It said the tie-up was "not likely to result in harm to competition or American consumers" -- and could even increase competition.

From Barron's • Jun. 12, 2026

Even if the rumors are true that Paramount and CBS executives are growing wary of Weiss and her impact, the overhaul of 60 Minutes is not likely to end.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

Should the departure continue, or even increase, experts say it’s still not likely L.A. will ever be overbuilt like some of its Rust Belt counterparts due to pent-up demand that has never quite been met.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

Mom, of course, was not likely to return at all.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret

not likely

Example Sentences

Related Words