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Definition of probabilitynext
1
2
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 Additionally, the December survey showed that respondents’ expectations of losing their job rose to the highest mean probability since April 2025, while the probability of those voluntarily quitting dropped to the lowest rate since July 2023. Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026 The study analyzed data from nearly 400 million cars to estimate the probability that each vehicle would reach certain mileage milestones. Charles Singh, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026 Kalshi, a competing platform, had the probability of Maduro exiting office before February at 7%. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2026 The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for probability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probability
likelihood
Noun
  • In all likelihood, Cristobal and the assistant coach shared a long embrace as the Hurricanes celebrated.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • More recent studies, listed on the CDC’s website as of Friday, also show that flu shots reduce the likelihood that children will get very sick from flu.
    Erika Edwards, NBC news, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Probability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probability. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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