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probe

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verb

1
2
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
Live updates: Winds prolong fire risk as investigators probe electric tower as possible origin of Eaton fire Two of the victims have been officially identified by the county agency. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025 This pacey, polished diversion finds its cast too funny to bother probing far into such matters. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 12 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for probe 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probe
Verb
  • Both Gonzalez and Machado are being investigated by the attorney general's office for alleged conspiracy, but only Gonzalez has a public warrant out for his arrest.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • In the future, Watch Duty hopes to explore the use of other types of data, such as river gauges, tsunami buoys and earthquakes.
    Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Newsweek previously explored foods high in plastic chemicals and ways to reduce microplastic consumption—tiny particles formed when larger plastics break down.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The Dallas Examiner, which published several articles reporting on locals’ concerns, previously reported that there was a police investigation surrounding the works as evidence for alleged child abuse, but the museum had not responded to inquiries about it until now.
    Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The inquiries led to the resignation of his police commissioner, first deputy mayor, deputy mayor for public safety, education chancellor, a senior adviser and the mayor’s chief adviser — who was herself indicted on state charges last month.
    William K. Rashbaum, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • No other defendant in the cases examined received an unconditional discharge.
    Kate Christobek, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Your provider will also examine any areas of bleeding or bruising.2 Blood Tests Leukemia changes the amount and health of cells in the blood.
    Doru Paul, Health, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The problem here is, rather obviously, that as more people search for VPN apps, so more people are in danger of falling into the SEO poisoning traps set by the playfulghost threat actors.
    Davey Winder, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Three seasons removed from his last 1,000-yard campaign, the 29-year-old was searching for an opportunity to compete for a championship in the waning years of his career.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • What began earlier in Iannucci’s career as simply skewering pompous politicians has matured into an examination of what happens when leaders with feet of mud let their egos make decisions that will change the lives of millions.
    Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The great Pam Adlon directs this fearless examination of friendship and fertility.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The program’s exploration of time is highlighted by Stefan Hayn’s 2024 (2023), which juxtaposes political Berlin with private Bavaria, utilizing both film and painting as frames for observation.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Jan. 2025
  • His early exploration of this tradition can be heard on his first four Columbia albums—records that laid the groundwork for Dylan’s august career.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The study found consistent themes in how the victims reported their interactions with their scammer.
    Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 18 Jan. 2025
  • According to one study, even in the extremely dry Martian atmosphere, the climatic conditions inside the volcanoes' craters are such that frost can form even though it's never been found elsewhere on Mars – even at the poles.
    David Szondy, New Atlas, 18 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near probe

Cite this Entry

“Probe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probe. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on probe

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