probable

1 of 2

adjective

prob·​a·​ble ˈprä-bə-bəl How to pronounce probable (audio)
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

probable

2 of 2

noun

: one that is probable

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
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.
Adjective
More news: Yankees Make Final Pleas to Juan Soto After Game 5 Loss In what amounted to a one-season audition in his free agent walk year, Soto led the American League in runs scored batting ahead of Judge, the probable AL MVP. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 Second, Schipper said, the probable trifecta of controlling the presidency and both chambers of Congress further increases the likelihood that Trump can enact his fiscal agenda. Peter Green, Quartz, 9 Nov. 2024
Noun
Pitching probables Saturday: Dodgers RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (6-2, 2.96) at Rockies RHP Antonio Senzatela (0-0, 3.38), 6:10 p.m. Sunday: Dodgers RHP Landon Knack (3-5, 3.74) at Rockies RHP Ryan Feltner (3-10, 4.66), 1:10 p.m. Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2024 Pitching probables Thursday: Rockies RHP Ryan Feltner (2-10, 4.96) at Tigers LHP Tarik Skubal (16-4, 2.53), 11:10 a.m. Friday: Rockies TBA vs. Cubs RHP Javier Assad (6-5, 3.14), 6:40 p.m. Want more Rockies news? Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for probable 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin probabilis commendable, probable, from probare to test, approve, prove — more at prove

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1638, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of probable was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near probable

Cite this Entry

“Probable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probable. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

probable

adjective
prob·​a·​ble
ˈpräb-ə-bəl
: reasonably sure but not certain of happening or being true : likely

More from Merriam-Webster on probable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!