as in investigation
a systematic search for the truth or facts about something
questionings and probings by several committees into the affair
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in exploring
to search through or into
tabloid reporters who seem determined to probe every detail of the singer's private life
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in searching
to go into or range over for purposes of discovery
probing the depths of the undersea trench
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 probing
Adam Feuerstein, STAT, 12 Mar. 2026
To this end, the event was likely either a misunderstanding or a deliberate probing of China’s aerial defense response.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026
Those memorable segments demonstrated how the desk-and-sofa format could be a tool in the politician’s arsenal for shaping public opinion away from the pesky probing of journalists.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Giscard d’Estaing’s campaign self-consciously emulated American political campaigns of the day, and Depardon appropriately applies the tools of direct cinema to give us a probing, intimate look at the candidate on the cusp of power.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Jan. 2026
Our measurements show a nominal amount of responsiveness to our active probing, about 3%.
—Alberto Dainotti, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2026
The Algerian is equally capable of tucking into midfield, running the flanks, playing probing passes from a wide-centre-back role or making darting movements towards goal.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
This property allows rapid proprioceptive probing of objects.
—IEEE Spectrum, 24 June 2022
Adam Sabes , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026
High-profile attorneys are also probing the death, and the state House Oversight and Reform Committee previously requested records in the case.
—Mary Ramsey
may 4, Charlotte Observer, 4 May 2026
Over the next six years, the show was a stage for Hall’s infectious energy, his antic personality, probing interview style, party atmosphere, his own authenticity and ability to book guests.
—Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
In California, the Los Angeles County Counsel is probing allegations that State Farm delayed, underpaid and denied valid insurance claims from last year's wildfires.
—Michael Copley, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026
This breakthrough provides a practical toolkit for directly probing quantum electrodynamics and observing the fundamental, extreme interactions between light and the quantum vacuum.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026
The state in January contracted with Flynn Investigations Group, a Denver firm that specializes in probing workplace issues, to investigate complaints within the department, according to a copy of the agreement obtained through an open records request.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2026
His disappearance sparked swirling speculation online that McCasland was taken against his will in part because of his work consulting for a non-government group that was probing the government's UFO files.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
Her stunning 2025 debut, Waiting Room, interrogated horror and discomfort through probing and foreboding synthesizer drones and crackling bass; on Carve, she’s not done with her demons yet.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
The hosts also talk about Prasad’s second exit from the FDA and a congressman’s probing of the agency’s rare disease drug denials.
—Adam Feuerstein, STAT, 12 Mar. 2026
To this end, the event was likely either a misunderstanding or a deliberate probing of China’s aerial defense response.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026
Those memorable segments demonstrated how the desk-and-sofa format could be a tool in the politician’s arsenal for shaping public opinion away from the pesky probing of journalists.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Giscard d’Estaing’s campaign self-consciously emulated American political campaigns of the day, and Depardon appropriately applies the tools of direct cinema to give us a probing, intimate look at the candidate on the cusp of power.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Jan. 2026
Our measurements show a nominal amount of responsiveness to our active probing, about 3%.
—Alberto Dainotti, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2026
The Algerian is equally capable of tucking into midfield, running the flanks, playing probing passes from a wide-centre-back role or making darting movements towards goal.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
This property allows rapid proprioceptive probing of objects.
—IEEE Spectrum, 24 June 2022
Verb
An investigator with the Ada County Sheriff's Office, the agency probing the source of the leak, asked for interviews with people who had access to digital files that appeared in a May 2025 episode about the murders, the outlet reported.
—Adam Sabes , Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026
High-profile attorneys are also probing the death, and the state House Oversight and Reform Committee previously requested records in the case.
—Mary Ramsey
may 4, Charlotte Observer, 4 May 2026
Over the next six years, the show was a stage for Hall’s infectious energy, his antic personality, probing interview style, party atmosphere, his own authenticity and ability to book guests.
—Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
In California, the Los Angeles County Counsel is probing allegations that State Farm delayed, underpaid and denied valid insurance claims from last year's wildfires.
—Michael Copley, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026
This breakthrough provides a practical toolkit for directly probing quantum electrodynamics and observing the fundamental, extreme interactions between light and the quantum vacuum.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026
The state in January contracted with Flynn Investigations Group, a Denver firm that specializes in probing workplace issues, to investigate complaints within the department, according to a copy of the agreement obtained through an open records request.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2026
His disappearance sparked swirling speculation online that McCasland was taken against his will in part because of his work consulting for a non-government group that was probing the government's UFO files.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
Her stunning 2025 debut, Waiting Room, interrogated horror and discomfort through probing and foreboding synthesizer drones and crackling bass; on Carve, she’s not done with her demons yet.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probing
Noun
-
The person who confirmed the FBI’s search was not authorized to discuss an ongoing investigation by name and spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.—
Eric Tucker,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
-
Investigators recovered a 9 mm SIG Sauer handgun, according to the filing, and seized electronic devices as part of the investigation.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Both the club and the Supporters Board are committed to exploring a longer-term solution that works in the interests of all.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
Researchers, retailers, shopping center executives and brands are deep into exploring the present and potential impact of AI, for better or worse.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
The United States, searching for self-definition but loath to lose its illusions—its innocence—needed all of this as a counterpoint.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
The real estate online search giant, which offers both purchase and rental listings, looked at who was searching for a new place in February.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
The results of that inquiry have never been made public.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
-
Our report highlights that AI adoption throughout the industry will primarily impact routine, repetitive tasks, such as inventory management, scheduling, or basic customer inquiries.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
When Drummond moved to intervene in the homeowner lawsuit against State Farm, Oklahoma's insurance commissioner said that for two years, state regulators have been investigating how claims for roof damage are handled.—
Michael Copley,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Sri Lanka’s Police Narcotics Bureau is investigating if the smuggling activities are connected to local drug-running networks.—
Lucas Lilieholm,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Jamie Bell has his best chance at major award hardware since his Billy Elliot days as the protagonist of Richard Gadd’s violent examination of masculinity in Half Man.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
2 May 2026
-
An examination of tree rings confirmed that a red aurora had occurred in China between 1200 and 1201 CE.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
Given the highly turbulent nature of the solar atmosphere, researchers are now examining whether similar variations in type III burst drift rates could be driven by magnetic irregularities, including switchbacks or broader field deflections.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
3 May 2026
-
Last month, Disability Law Colorado released a report examining conditions inside youth detention facilities.—
Karen Morfitt,
CBS News,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
During his party’s long and far-ranging exploration of North America, Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto reached the Mississippi River.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
-
Six Flags will retheme the Whistlestop Train to Taz’s Tasmanian Train Tours, which will offer exploration of the island’s wilderness.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Probing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probing. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
