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 of probable

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

In 1985, a young center named Patrick Ewing, who had just starred at Georgetown, came to the Garden and a turnaround seemed not only possible but probable. —Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 14 June 2026

But while a stronger event raises the odds and probable scale of impact, the true total won’t be known for years because the losses compound over time. —Doyle Rice, USA Today, 13 June 2026

Noun

Pitching probables Tuesday: Rockies RHP Tomoyuki Sugano (4-4, 4.01 ERA) at Angels RHP Grayson Rodriguez (2-1, 7.53), 7:38 p.m. Wednesday: Rockies RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-7, 7.22) at Angels RHP Walbert Urena (2-4, 2.44), 7:38 p.m. Thursday: Off day TV: Rockies. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 1 June 2026

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