prob·a·ble
ˈprä-bə-bəl 
ˈprä(b)-bəl
1
: supported by evidence strong enough to establish presumption but not proof
a probable hypothesis
2
: establishing a probability
probable evidence
3
: likely to be or become true or real
probable outcome
: one that is probable
Synonyms
Examples of probable in a Sentence
Adjective
It is probable that life exists outside of our planet.
the counselor could find no probable reason for the girl's bizarre actions
Recent Examples on the Web
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2024
Rangers at the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station were able to collect satellite location data from the climber and found their probable location at 17,000 feet of elevation, data that had not changed since May 16, which the park said suggested a fall from the Denali pass took place that day.
—Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 21 May 2024
Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 27 May 2024
Several other contenders have joined the list of probables for the $2 million Preakness in recent days.
—Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 8 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for probable 
Adjective
Between January 2016 and December 2022, the CDC recorded 35 probable and confirmed cases from seven outbreaks, the majority of which were traced back to bear meat.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2024
Rangers at the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station were able to collect satellite location data from the climber and found their probable location at 17,000 feet of elevation, data that had not changed since May 16, which the park said suggested a fall from the Denali pass took place that day.
—Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 21 May 2024
Noun
Pitching probables Tuesday: Guardians RHP Triston McKenzie (2-3, 3.44) at Rockies RHP Ryan Feltner (1-4, 5.07), 6:40 p.m.
Wednesday: Guardians LHP Logan Allen (6-2, 4.89) at Rockies LHP Ty Blach (1-2, 4.55), 6:40 p.m.
— Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post
Want more Rockies news?
—Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 27 May 2024
Several other contenders have joined the list of probables for the $2 million Preakness in recent days.
—Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 8 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for probable
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'probable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near probable
Cite this Entry
“Probable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probable. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
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