: 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.
Bevins also reportedly told investigators that Aiden accidentally hit his head while running to the bathroom and died later, both outlets reported, citing a probable cause affidavit.—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026 Dana is due back in court on July 13 for a probable cause hearing.—Neal Riley, CBS News, 6 June 2026 Recarey drafted arrest warrants and probable cause affidavits, but the state attorney refused to sign off on them.—Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026 The appellate court said the attorney general had demonstrated probable cause to investigate and sue, citing public reports of malfeasance at the NRA that predated the investigation and ample evidence uncovered during it.—Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for probable cause