Synonyms for

Probability

Verb / ˌprɑ:bʌˈbɪlʌˌti: / Another word for probability — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The likelihood of something happening or being true.

Synonyms & similar words

chance improbability chance likelihood odds possibility likelihood prospect expectation hope potential feasibility plausibility credibility likelihood risk danger hazard peril threat possibility opportunity

Synonyms by register

Formal

likelihood chance prospect possibility

Informal

odds shot guesstimate

Literary

fortune hap

Antonyms

certainty fact assurance guarantee reality truth impossibility

Common collocations

  • high probability
  • low probability
  • probability distribution
  • probability theory
  • probability of success
  • probability of failure
  • probability density function

Word family

noun probability
adjective probable

Usage note

Probability refers to the likelihood of an event occurring. It is often expressed as a number between 0 and 1, or as a percentage. Avoid using 'probability' when you mean 'certainty'.

Example sentences

  1. The probability of it raining today is high.
  2. What is the probability of flipping a coin and getting heads?
  3. The probability of getting a hole-in-one in golf is very low.
  4. The probability of winning the lottery is very low.
  5. The probability of getting struck by lightning is rare.

Quotes

  • The probability of something happening is inversely proportional to its desirability.
  • The probability of success is directly proportional to the amount of time and effort you put in.
  • Probability is not a mere computation of odds on the dice or more complicated variants; it is the acceptance of the lack of certainty in our knowledge and the development of methods for dealing with our ignorance.

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