probable cause

noun

: a reasonable ground for supposing that a charge is well-founded

Examples of probable cause in a Sentence

The lawyer argued that there was a lack of probable cause for a search warrant.

The police had probable cause to arrest him.

Recent Examples on the Web

The charges come after an early morning car chase on Sunday in Kansas City’s Northland, according to a probable cause statement filed in Clay County court Sunday. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026

Beginning Monday and concluding Friday, Utah prosecutors and lawyers for Robinson presented arguments and evidence to Judge Tony Graf about whether there is probable cause to continue to a trial on murder charges. — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 11 July 2026

Graf must decide whether there is probable cause for Robinson to face trial. — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 9 July 2026

The woman had matched with Hakim on Hinge in late January, according to a probable cause affidavit. — Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1676, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for probable cause

• magnetopause
• ahs
• baas
• clause
• claws
• coz
• daws
• draws
• flaws
• gauze
• gnaws
• haws

Legal Definition

probable cause

see also:

cause sense 2