probation

noun

prō-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce probation (audio)
Definition of probationnext
as in investigation
a systematic search for the truth or facts about something a candidate for the priesthood must be able to withstand an intense probation of his personal character

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 probation Not his first problems with the law The murders unfolded five months after Sierra was released from jail for violating probation after police located a gun inside the home. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026 Officers arrested a man who was on felony probation in Santa Clara County on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, CHP said. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026 His most recent charges violated the conditions of his probation, causing that case to be reopened. — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026 Police said the passenger was on felony probation and subject to a full search clause. — Bay City News, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for probation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probation
  1. investigation
  2. examination
  3. inquiry
  4. exploration
  5. study
Noun
  • During the investigation, police were alerted to two shooting victims who had walked into area hospitals, including Chance.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The investigation into the shocking death of Hayden Panettiere has been joined by the Drug Enforcement Administration, a source familiar with the matter told The New York Times.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of investigation
Noun
  • Once removed by helicopter, the wreckage will likely have to be flown out on a cargo plane for examination.
    — Irene Byon, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2026
  • On cross examination, Sprague asked about Clancy's tone after checking out of McLean Hospital after being admitted to the psychiatric facility for five days in January 2023.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of examination
Noun
  • Anne Arundel County Public Schools previously responded to inquiries about the joint statement from the DOJ and Education Department.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • By Tuesday afternoon, more than 107,000 people had signed an open letter calling on the government to commission a public inquiry into media coverage of Arday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of inquiry
Noun
  • The resource holds enormous value for deep-space exploration and a potential lunar base because it can be converted to breathable air, drinking water or even rocket fuel.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Preparations have been carried out at the Wenchang launch site for the Chang’e-7 mission over the past weeks, the seventh in the Chang’e moon exploration program.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of exploration
Noun
  • The new study instead places particular emphasis on a continent-scale rift-flank escarpment formed during Rodinia’s breakup.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
  • However, according to the latest study, there was no evidence of trauma or pathological conditions on her remains that could have led to her death.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of study

Browse Nearby Words

probably
probation
probationer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Probation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probation. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on probation

Nglish: Translation of probation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about probation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All