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
Another part of the probe examined whether Apple and Google are using their position in operating systems, app distribution or browsers to favor its own apps and services. —Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 23 July 2025 Other benefits enjoyed by the couple were expensed to WEF but not reported on income statements, the probe found. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 July 2025
Verb
No charges were immediately filed as cops continue to probe the slaying. —John Annese, New York Daily News, 20 July 2025 The location remains a core focus of ongoing civil litigation and public interest as U.S. authorities and investigative journalists continue to probe the extent of Epstein's criminal activity and connections. —Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for probe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probe
  1. investigate
  2. explore
  3. inquiry
  4. examine
  5. search
  6. examination
  7. exploration
  8. study
Verb
  • The monitor is investigating claims that Fain stripped Boyer of his responsibilities leading the union's Stellantis Department after Boyer refused to comply with a scheme that would benefit the family of Fain's fiancee.
    — Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 22 July 2025
  • The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 21 July 2025
Definition of investigate
Verb
  • Stargazers hoping to explore the phases of Venus and the night sky for themselves should read our roundup of the best telescopes for amateur astronomy in 2025.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 31 July 2025
  • For those who are craving a little more speed, jet skiing is another great way to explore the region.
    — Rana Good, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Definition of explore
Noun
  • The State's Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to an inquiry about whether McNeil's video had factored into its decision not to charge Bowers.
    — Janelle Griffith, People.com, 22 July 2025
  • But over the past five years he’s been considerably more hazy about the release of the Epstein tapes, waving off any inquiries about their whereabouts.
    — Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2025
Definition of inquiry
Verb
  • Their main goal was to examine an area of the river where a magnet fisherman had found an anchor.
    — Rose Androwich, jsonline.com, 22 July 2025
  • This study examines the ratio of the income floor for the top 20% of earners to the income ceiling for the bottom 20% of earners.
    — Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of examine
Verb
  • Police are searching for a suspect believed to have killed four family members in rural Tennessee and then abandoned a 7-month-old baby girl in a front yard 25 miles away this week.
    — Nicole Acosta, People.com, 31 July 2025
  • But cosmologists have actually been searching for holes in the standard model—holes that might lead to a more complete understanding of spacetime, because the standard model has limitations.
    — Sarah Scoles, JSTOR Daily, 31 July 2025
Definition of search
Noun
  • The victims' bodies were taken to the state crime lab for examination to determine the manner and cause of death.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 July 2025
  • Students are invited to prepare for the upcoming ACT examinations by taking a practice exam from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 2 at the Hinsdale Public Library, 20 E. Maple St., Hinsdale.
    — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 29 July 2025
Definition of examination
Noun
  • From France, Chichin’s work is an exploration of urban parks that create natural refuges in the heart of cities, reframing them as spaces of resistance and wonder.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 11 July 2025
  • The ship’s missions require the crew to work together to overcome challenges such as combat, puzzle-solving, diplomacy, and exploration.
    — Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2025
Definition of exploration
Noun
  • One study found a significant reduction in the stress hormone cortisol when participants did value affirmations before a stressful task.
    — Amy Sterling, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • In Wisconsin, the study found a worker needs to earn just over $23 hourly to afford a two-bedroom rental.
    — Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025
Definition of study

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 4 Aug. 2025.

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