probe 1 of 2

noun

ˈprōb How to pronounce probe (audio)
Definition of probenext
as in investigation
a systematic search for the truth or facts about something a congressional probe into the accusations

Synonyms & Similar Words

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probe

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to investigate
to search through or into tabloid reporters who seem determined to probe every detail of the singer's private life

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to explore
to go into or range over for purposes of discovery probing the depths of the undersea trench

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb probe differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of probe are enter, penetrate, and pierce. While all these words mean "to make way into something," probe implies penetration to investigate or explore something hidden from sight or knowledge.

probed the depths of the sea

When is it sensible to use enter instead of probe?

In some situations, the words enter and probe are roughly equivalent. However, enter is the most general of these and may imply either going in or forcing a way in.

entered the city in triumph

When is penetrate a more appropriate choice than probe?

The meanings of penetrate and probe largely overlap; however, penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance.

the enemy penetrated the fortress

When might pierce be a better fit than probe?

While in some cases nearly identical to probe, pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument.

pierced the boil with a lancet

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 probe
Noun
The regulatory agency’s civil investigation of Kapoor was first reported in June 2023 by the Herald in a story that also revealed the FBI was examining his relationship with Suarez in the parallel criminal probe. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026 No further information was provided as the probe continues. —Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 14 May 2026
Verb
The Coast Guard Investigative Service is probing Lynette Hooker's disappearance. —Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026 The new wording would require a challenger to put forward evidence sufficient to support a finding of fabrication before the court probes further. —Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for probe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probe
  1. investigation
  2. investigate
  3. explore
  4. inquiry
  5. examine
  6. search
  7. probing
  8. examination
Noun
  • Saum Poorsaleh, complaints triggered the internal affairs investigation.
    — Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • Some of these digital pamphlets provide terse, functional updates while others act as the successors to bygone alt-weeklies, covering cultural happenings and carrying out local-interest investigations.
    — Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
Definition of investigation
Verb
  • Soon after, the state began investigating parents suspected of having provided such care to their children.
    — Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 16 May 2026
  • The latest movie, Hannah, a baker turned amateur detective investigates the murder of a key witness in a high-profile forgery case, and the disappearance of the lead prosecutor in the case.
    — Lori A Bashian , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
Definition of investigate
Verb
  • Cars are banned, so visitors get around on foot or by golf cart; however, the island is arguably best explored by boat.
    — Nicky Swallow, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026
  • And with more than 20 miles of trails on the property to explore, the natural surroundings here cannot help but enhance members’ mental and physical well-being.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 May 2026
Definition of explore
Noun
  • The state police, already examining alleged irregularities in city tax collections during Stewart’s administration, expanded the inquiry to include credit card use and the FBI also has opened an investigation, law enforcement sources said Thursday.
    — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • And Szabo hired prominent Charlotte criminal defense attorney Tin to represent her in an inquiry by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.
    — Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2026
Definition of inquiry
Verb
  • After examining replays, Vazquez was awarded his first career MLS goal instead of it being deemed an own-goal.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • The research team examined the molar with a micro-CT scan and a scanning electron microscope.
    — Ari Daniel, NPR, 13 May 2026
Definition of examine
Verb
  • Maton has been wrestling with his curveball grip all season and continues to search for consistency.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • To hear the full episode, subscribe through iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app (include the forward slashes when searching).
    — Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 14 May 2026
Definition of search
Noun
  • Here’s a probing, exclusive, in-depth conversation Benn had with The Athletic following Monday’s practice.
    — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The hosts also talk about Prasad’s second exit from the FDA and a congressman’s probing of the agency’s rare disease drug denials.
    — Adam Feuerstein, STAT, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of probing
Noun
  • The child's remains were taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where authorities planned to carry out a post-mortem examination.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
  • For further insights into similar changes in the search and cloud domains, refer to our examination of Why The Market Is Re-Rating Google Stock.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Definition of examination

Browse Nearby Words

probatory
probe
probed
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Cite this Entry

“Probe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probe. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on probe

Nglish: Translation of probe for Spanish Speakers

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