PROBABILITY Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

probability

noun

ˌprä-bə-ˈbi-lə-tē

Definition of probability

as in likelihood

the quality or state of being likely to occur the plot of the movie thriller was exciting and surprising but woefully lacking in probability

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in odds

a measure of how often an event will occur instead of another the probability of flipping a coin and getting heads 50 times in a row is not good

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of probability As of early August, the CME Group's FedWatch Tool shows a nearly 70% probability of a rate hike at the next Fed meeting. — Tim Maxwell, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026 While Chicago’s postseason probabilities are high, its chances of overtaking Milwaukee in the National League Central are low, meaning the Cubs are unlikely to receive a first-round bye. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 30 July 2026 The more cell regeneration, the higher the probability of error. — Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 29 July 2026 Risk is the probability of something occurring and what happens if that thing occurs. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for probability

Recent Examples of Synonyms for probability

likelihood

Noun

Visibility wasn’t exceptional, but neither was the likelihood of accidentally assaulting an oncoming driver’s eyes.

— Matthew MacConnell, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026
That probability has now dropped to around 57%, while the likelihood of a 25-basis-point rate hike has risen to 43%.

— , CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of likelihood

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probabilities

probability

probable

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Style

“Probability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probability. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of probability

noun

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