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

Examples 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 reported completion of that probe would follow the Pentagon’s recent blacklisting of Chinese container shipping giant Cosco Shipping, which the U.S. Department of Defense now designates as a Chinese military company. —

Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 14 Jan. 2025 Special counsel’s biting defense of Trump Jan. 6 probe Jack Smith. —

Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 14 Jan. 2025

Verb

Investigators are probing whether the suspect acted alone or had help from others in planning and executing the attack, Jason Williams, the district attorney of Orleans Parish, which includes New Orleans, told ABC News. —

Pierre Thomas, ABC News, 1 Jan. 2025 As investigators on Tuesday continued to probe the death of Robert Brooks, a New York inmate who was brutally beaten while handcuffed in a prison infirmary, residents held demonstrations and vigils as officials announced procedural changes at the facility where the savage episode occurred. —

Casey Pritchard, USA TODAY, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for probe

Recent Examples of Synonyms for probe

Verb

Officers responded to a domestic disturbance at a house in the 5600 block of Seafield Lane in northwest Fort Worth about 6:20 p.m. to investigate reports of shots fired inside the home, according to a statement from Fort Worth police.

Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Jan. 2025
Organizations likely to be the target of actors need to build resilience appropriate to investigating and eradicating threats from these highly skilled and motivated groups.

James Blake, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025