probability

noun

plural probabilities
Synonyms of probability
1
a(1)
: the chance that a given event will occur
(2)
: the ratio of the number of outcomes in an exhaustive set of equally likely outcomes that produce a given event to the total number of possible outcomes
b
: a branch of mathematics concerned with the study of probabilities
2
: something (such as an event or circumstance) that is probable
3
: the quality or state of being probable
4
: a logical relation between statements such that evidence confirming one confirms the other to some degree

Synonyms of probability

Examples of probability in a Sentence

There is a low probability that you will be chosen. There is some probability of rain tomorrow. With the dark clouds moving in, rain seems more like a probability than a possibility. The probability of a coin coming up heads is one out of every two tries.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
One to two inches of rain are forecast for Charlotte, and 2 to 4 inches to the west and northwest of the city, according to the latest National Hurricane Center rainfall probability map for Isaias. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 10 Oct. 2026 There’s also an 83% chance that this El Niño will be the strongest on record, which goes back to 1950, up from a 75% probability forecast last month. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026 Emergency physicians are constantly weighing probability, risk, and the consequences of waiting. — Dara Kass, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026 In the most extreme, low-probability scenarios, at the very tip of the long tail, the calculated death toll was huge, in the tens of millions. — Kevin Roose, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for probability

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of probability was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Probability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probability. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

probability

noun
plural probabilities
1
: the quality or state of being probable
2
: something probable
3
a
: a measure of how often a particular event will happen if something which results in any of a number of possible events is done repeatedly
the probability of a coin coming up heads is ½
b
: a branch of mathematics concerned with the study of probabilities

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