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
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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
Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
In 2024, Cal-OSHA created a new position — Chief Investigator — and hired Michael Bright, who previously worked as a special investigator probing fraud at the State Compensation Insurance Fund, to fill that role.
—Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
The drone activity raised concerns over possible surveillance or probing targeting the two senior officials.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026
The feds are separately probing whether Louis and her sister, who works in intergovernmental affairs for Hochul, accepted bribes or kickbacks in connection with the appropriation of city funds to a migrant shelter provider, according to search warrants obtained by The Associated Press.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
In the past year, Russia has been probing Polish and NATO airspace with cheap, disposable drones.
—Brynn Tannehill, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026
Classical music groups in the Twin Cities are rising to the task, with offerings aimed at lifting the spirit, probing the soul, and creating a hopeful vision forward.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
The Justice Department relented later that month amid mounting pressure, and Deputy Attorney Todd Blanche announced that the probe would be handled in part by the Civil Rights Division, whose criminal section specializes in probing color-of-law claims against law enforcement officers.
—Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Investigators probing the deadly crash between an Air Canada jet and a Port Authority airport vehicle at a LaGuardia Airport runway over the weekend have a fuller picture of what went down after reviewing some of the flight recorder data.
—Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 24 Mar. 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
Verb
In a unanimous opinion issued Thursday, justices from the state’s first appellate district found that an oversight body in Sonoma County is legally authorized to subpoena the county sheriff’s office while probing whistleblower inquiries.
—Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
In 2024, Cal-OSHA created a new position — Chief Investigator — and hired Michael Bright, who previously worked as a special investigator probing fraud at the State Compensation Insurance Fund, to fill that role.
—Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
The drone activity raised concerns over possible surveillance or probing targeting the two senior officials.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026
The feds are separately probing whether Louis and her sister, who works in intergovernmental affairs for Hochul, accepted bribes or kickbacks in connection with the appropriation of city funds to a migrant shelter provider, according to search warrants obtained by The Associated Press.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
In the past year, Russia has been probing Polish and NATO airspace with cheap, disposable drones.
—Brynn Tannehill, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026
Classical music groups in the Twin Cities are rising to the task, with offerings aimed at lifting the spirit, probing the soul, and creating a hopeful vision forward.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
The Justice Department relented later that month amid mounting pressure, and Deputy Attorney Todd Blanche announced that the probe would be handled in part by the Civil Rights Division, whose criminal section specializes in probing color-of-law claims against law enforcement officers.
—Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Investigators probing the deadly crash between an Air Canada jet and a Port Authority airport vehicle at a LaGuardia Airport runway over the weekend have a fuller picture of what went down after reviewing some of the flight recorder data.
—Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 24 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probing
Noun
-
Anyone can trigger an adult protection investigation by calling The Florida Abuse Hotline, 1-800-96 ABUSE.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The investigation revealed that the man near the scene was the child's uncle, who was the last person known to be responsible for the child's care, police said.—
Brandon Downs,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Sculptor Melvin Edwards, known for powerful works exploring the history of racial violence and the experiences of Black people in America, as well as themes of beauty and joy, died at his home in Baltimore on March 30.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Developed by Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti, the series expands the mythology of Derry, Maine, exploring the origins of Pennywise, the malevolent entity at the center of King’s iconic story.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Cops are searching for multiple suspects wearing ski masks last seen fleeing the scene on foot.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
With the Heat searching for answers amid its rough stretch, rookie guard Kasparas Jakucionis was not part of the roation on Monday.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Either Empire or Lowe’s will handle future customer service inquiries and warranty claims.—
Dan Simms,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The realms of philosophy and religion have sometimes intersected in conducting such inquiries as these.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Swansea Police Department is investigating and school officials filed a report with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The Army is investigating after one of its helicopters appeared to fly by Kid Rock's home in Nashville to greet him, according to video the conservative musician posted to social media.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Whether this turns out to be a goofy bit of fluff or an actual examination of power dynamics in relationships is yet to be determined (though the trailer suggests the former).—
Emily Temple,
Literary Hub,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Included in the analysis were examinations of pay distribution, employment conditions, labor load and education rates of a demographic that makes up 39% of the Golden State’s labor force.—
Nicole Macias Garibay,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the critical minerals landscape as of early 2026, examining individual mineral profiles, supply chain vulnerabilities, geopolitical dynamics, and the technical innovations that may reshape supply over the coming decade.—
Interesting Engineering,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Meanwhile, Soames perambulates a park with Irene, examining works of art in progress.—
Alice Burton,
Vulture,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
While the crew will not land on the moon, NASA said the lunar flyby mission is designed to test life support systems and critical operations, paving the way for future moon landings and Mars exploration.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Inside the University of Texas at Arlington planetarium, students and space enthusiasts gathered to witness the next chapter in lunar exploration.—
Erin Jones,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Probing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probing. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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