probable cause

noun

: a reasonable ground for supposing that a charge is well-founded

Examples of probable cause in a Sentence

The lawyer argued that there was a lack of probable cause for a search warrant. The police had probable cause to arrest him.
Recent Examples on the Web
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In another probable cause statement, Julian is accused of participating in the discarding of the baton as well. Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026 The probable cause affidavit says investigators uncovered a history of domestic conflict between the couple. Gershon Harrell, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026 Though the probable cause statements describing the charges filed on each of them didn’t name Kayla — references to the victim were redacted — the details of the case matched her disappearance. Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026 In a statement to CyberGuy, Stefonowicz said the arrest warrant reflected that prosecutors and a judge had found probable cause. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for probable cause

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of probable cause was circa 1676

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Cite this Entry

“Probable cause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probable%20cause. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Legal Definition

probable cause

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