probable

1 of 2

adjective

prob·​a·​ble ˈprä-bə-bəl 

ˈprä(b)-bəl

1

: supported by evidence strong enough to establish presumption but not proof

a probable hypothesis

2

: establishing a probability

probable evidence

3

: likely to be or become true or real

probable outcome

probable

2 of 2

noun

: one that is probable

Synonyms

Adjective

• plausible
• credible

Examples of probable in a Sentence

Adjective

It is probable that life exists outside of our planet.

the counselor could find no probable reason for the girl's bizarre actions

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

OpenOceans uses Geographic Information System, or GIS, mapping to identify the pathways by which plastic ends up in the ocean and analyze probable sources of it. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025

The map shows red pins representing incidents that state and federal wildlife biologists have said were confirmed or probable wolf attacks on livestock. —Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2025

Noun

Pitching probables Thursday: Rockies RHP McCade Brown (0-3, 12.54) at Padres TBA, 7:40 p.m. Friday: Rockies RHP Tanner Gordon (5-6, 6.60) at Padres RHP Dylan Cease (7-11, 4.71), 7:40 p.m. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 9 Sep. 2025

Nysos, the impressive winner of the San Diego Handicap at Del Mar, heads the list of four probables for the Pacific Classic. —Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin probabilis commendable, probable, from probare to test, approve, prove — more at prove

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1638, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing probable

• probable cause

Rhymes for probable

• improbable

Kids Definition

probable

adjective

prob·​a·​ble

ˈpräb-ə-bəl

: reasonably sure but not certain of happening or being true : likely