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
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.
The initial investigation began in November 2024 and continued the following month when a girl said she was physically and mentally abused by Deutsch, according to a probable cause statement. Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2025 The city may search for weapons on its property with probable cause or reasonable suspicion. Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025 Stephanie Demetrius, 44, was charged with felony conspiracy for allegedly asking a juvenile at the Academy for Urban Scholars in Columbus to commit the murder, according to the probable cause affidavit. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2025 The boy, crying, woke up another child and called his mother immediately after the assault, according to a statement of probable cause. Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 2 Apr. 2025 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 13 Apr. 2025.

Legal Definition

probable cause

see cause sense 2

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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