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.

Gundlach said that since the Federal Reserve started cutting interest rates in September 2024, long rates are up 100 basis points, and that’s not likely to stop.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

Its review is not likely to be completed until after the November elections.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

They were also, the canny saleswoman believed, things that women were not likely to buy for themselves.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

It’s not likely to be a durable prop for equity markets.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

I listened to him with my nose held high, sniffing the stink of his words when he told me my father would not likely give the dowry he required.

From "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan

not likely

Example Sentences

Related Words