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
Mark Carey, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Geier, a close Kennedy ally and longtime critic of vaccines, has been on the CDC campus for weeks, probing the agency’s data for potential harms from immunizations, according to three people with knowledge of recent events at the CDC.
—Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
Across the season, Sylvia Fox is investigating the murder of the owner of a local winery, and probing the mystery of a beautiful young man found dead in the bed of a power couple who claim never to have seen him before.
—Peter White, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025
While America has not hesitated to use oceanographic ships to send messages by transiting the Taiwan Strait or probing interesting waters near rivals, China has been far more adept at employing research ships to challenge status quo.
—Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
This leap allows researchers to study battery materials in unprecedented detail, probing not just cathode and anode but also tiny structural defects that could impair performance.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
Investigators probing Wednesday’s deadly mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis continue to search for a clear motive to explain why Westman, 23, committed the act of terror.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2025
Tielemans flourished last season, his second at Villa Park, supported by becoming the team’s chief midfield presence and operating in a compact structure that was based on control, probing in possession, and closing spaces.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2025
Russia has a large concentration of troops in the area and continues probing for weak spots and their tactic is gradual infiltration—sending small groups without heavy equipment to test defenses, Askola said.
—Brendan Cole
john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
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
Both offer distinctive depictions of minority experiences in America, and in the process, ask probing questions about how media affects our perceptions of each other.
—Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Geier, a close Kennedy ally and longtime critic of vaccines, has been on the CDC campus for weeks, probing the agency’s data for potential harms from immunizations, according to three people with knowledge of recent events at the CDC.
—Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
Across the season, Sylvia Fox is investigating the murder of the owner of a local winery, and probing the mystery of a beautiful young man found dead in the bed of a power couple who claim never to have seen him before.
—Peter White, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025
While America has not hesitated to use oceanographic ships to send messages by transiting the Taiwan Strait or probing interesting waters near rivals, China has been far more adept at employing research ships to challenge status quo.
—Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
This leap allows researchers to study battery materials in unprecedented detail, probing not just cathode and anode but also tiny structural defects that could impair performance.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
Investigators probing Wednesday’s deadly mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis continue to search for a clear motive to explain why Westman, 23, committed the act of terror.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2025
Tielemans flourished last season, his second at Villa Park, supported by becoming the team’s chief midfield presence and operating in a compact structure that was based on control, probing in possession, and closing spaces.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2025
Russia has a large concentration of troops in the area and continues probing for weak spots and their tactic is gradual infiltration—sending small groups without heavy equipment to test defenses, Askola said.
—Brendan Cole
john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probing
Noun
-
As part of the investigation, the FA leant on analysis of the four suspicious matches provided by Stats Perform Integrity Services (SPIS), which is a division of data company Stats Perform.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
In addition to the Homeland Security Investigations Task Force, other agencies involved in the investigation were the Fayetteville, Eureka Springs, Harrison, Springdale and Berryville police departments, according to the release.—
NWA Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Watch Thelma on Hulu Kinds of Kindness Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, this 2024 dark dramedy anthology is told across three loosely interwoven chapters, each exploring characters who take extraordinary measures to demonstrate their love to someone else.—
Hannah Kerns,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
-
The 35-year-old Bohannon hopes to draw in audiences and artists who, like himself, may not come from a reggae background but are open to exploring new musical styles.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Authorities are still searching for those responsible.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Who isn't searching for Japan travel?—
Monica Pitrelli,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
While Schneider was expressing his feelings about the unknown state of Judge’s normally rocket arm, the Yankees seemed weary about answering these kind of inquiries.—
Larry Fleisher,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Panouses regularly fields inquiries from investors, scammers and people in need, all trying to reach his clients.—
Safiyah Riddle,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
While making the documentary, the body of Dong-hwan’s mother is discovered, prompting several interviews investigating her death.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Police in Tampa were investigating a shooting at an apartment block early on Thursday that left six people wounded.—
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Other than in the Second Circuit, the federal courts of appeals generally have interpreted the Confrontation Clause to require face-to-face cross examination, and counsel should be wary of giving up that important right.—
Robert Anello,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The subcommittee heard their statements as part of an examination of a purportedly secret UFO retrieval program managed by the Pentagon.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
For those feeling especially upset over this video, Anderson recommends examining those feelings and channeling them in healthy, productive ways.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
-
To find an exoplanet, the most successful methods have leveraged examining the light from a star that might house them.—
Ethan Siegel,
Big Think,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Elena Bianca Zagari Un Mondo Proprio (A World of One's Own) grew out of my long-term exploration of women's identities in Naples, the city where I was born.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Known for its reliability and resilience, Canada Goose has supported on- and off-screen roles in some of the planet’s most extreme locations, empowering exploration of all kinds, both behind the scenes and front of the lens.—
Steven Huizar,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Probing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probing. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share