Thesaurus results for PROBE

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

probe 1 of 2

noun

ˈprōb

Definition of probe next

as in investigation

a systematic search for the truth or facts about something a congressional probe into the accusations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

probe

2 of 2

verb

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

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 probe was delayed from 2022, and headed for the asteroid Psyche, using a Mars-gravity assist and not arriving until August 2029. —

Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2025 The probe came as a surprise to Nvidia, the world’s largest maker of advanced AI semiconductors. —

Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 4 Feb. 2025

Verb

Leading with probing questions about touchy topics can make kids more anxious and less likely to open up about the rest of their day, potentially derailing further conversations. —

Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025 Meanwhile, Microsoft and OpenAI are probing if data output from OpenAI's technology was obtained in an unauthorized manner by a group linked to DeepSeek, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday. —

Deborah Sophia, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for probe

Recent Examples of Synonyms for probe

Verb

What To Know Michigan State Police in June were called to investigate two people squatting in a cabin, troopers said on X. Police said the two individuals, Bromley and his 68-year-old wife, were homeless and had been living in the residence without permission.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025
The May 6 attempt was scrubbed two hours before liftoff because of valve on ULA’s upper Centaur stage that teams continue to investigate.

— Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025