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
: one that is probable
Synonyms
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
Alex Thompson, Axios, 12 July 2024
Six former staffers charged in case of Donald Maier whose death was ruled a homicide
Maier, 62, died of probable dehydration and malnutrition on Feb. 22 after prison staff cut off his water on Feb. 16 to prevent Maier from flooding his cell, according to court records.
—Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 11 July 2024
Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 21 June 2024
Pitching probables Monday: Rockies RHP Dakota Hudson (2-7, 5.25) at Twins RHP Chris Paddack (4-3, 5.26), 5:40 p.m.
Tuesday: Rockies RHP Cal Quantrill (5-4, 3.58) at Twins RHP Pablo Lopez (5-6, 5.45), 5:40 p.m.
Want more Rockies news?
—Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 8 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for probable 
Adjective
No one wants to tell the president the hard truth: that his probable path to victory is exceedingly narrow, another former administration official said.
—Alex Thompson, Axios, 12 July 2024
Six former staffers charged in case of Donald Maier whose death was ruled a homicide
Maier, 62, died of probable dehydration and malnutrition on Feb. 22 after prison staff cut off his water on Feb. 16 to prevent Maier from flooding his cell, according to court records.
—Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 11 July 2024
Noun
Pitching probables Sunday: Nationals RHP Jake Irvin (5-6, 3.24) at Rockies LHP Austin Gomber (1-4, 4.36), 1:10 p.m.
— Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post
Want more Rockies news?
—Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 21 June 2024
Pitching probables Monday: Rockies RHP Dakota Hudson (2-7, 5.25) at Twins RHP Chris Paddack (4-3, 5.26), 5:40 p.m.
Tuesday: Rockies RHP Cal Quantrill (5-4, 3.58) at Twins RHP Pablo Lopez (5-6, 5.45), 5:40 p.m.
Want more Rockies news?
—Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 8 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for probable
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'probable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near probable
Cite this Entry
“Probable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probable. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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