probable cause

noun

: a reasonable ground for supposing that a charge is well-founded

Examples of probable cause in a Sentence

The lawyer argued that there was a lack of probable cause for a search warrant. The police had probable cause to arrest him.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
According to a probable cause statement, police did not find any defensive wounds on Jerry Terry’s body, which pointed to a surprise attack. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025 The probable cause statement outlined what happened: Thornton was driving west on U.S. 12 and had been passed by a smaller, dark gray car. Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025 Jenkins and Ivey will face a probable cause hearing Friday, when the district attorney will share the evidence used to charge them. Curtis Bunn, NBC news, 19 June 2025 Kernodle received a DoorDash order at approximately 4 a.m. Nov. 13, police said in the probable cause affidavit. Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for probable cause

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of probable cause was circa 1676

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Cite this Entry

“Probable cause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probable%20cause. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

probable cause

see cause sense 2

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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