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

• believable
• credible
• creditable
• likely
• plausible
• presumptive

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

Injuries of note: Horton (probable, groin), defensive lineman Nuer Gatkuoth (doubtful, turf toe). —Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 13 Sep. 2024

Flash and urban flooding is probable across the Mid-South Wednesday night into Friday morning. —Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2024

Noun

Pitching probables Thursday: Rockies LHP Austin Gomber (4-10, 4.69) at Braves RHP Reynaldo Lopez (8-4, 2.00), 5:20 p.m. Friday: Rockies RHP Ryan Feltner (1-10, 5.11) at Brewers RHP Frankie Montas (6-9, 4.70), 4:10 p.m. — Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post Want more Rockies news? —Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 3 Sep. 2024

Pitching probables Saturday: Braves LHP Max Fried (7-6, 3.40) at Rockies RHP Cal Quantrill (7-8, 4.56), 6:10 p.m. Sunday: Braves TBA at Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (3-5, 5.65), 1:10 p.m. Originally Published: August 8, 2024 at 4:19 p.m. —Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 8 Aug. 2024

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

Kids Definition

probable

adjective

prob·​a·​ble

ˈpräb-ə-bəl

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