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
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In each case, magistrate judges had already found probable cause to proceed with the charges forward, yet jurors opted not to return indictments. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025 Allen has consistently denied the allegations against him and has never been charged with a crime (though a Connecticut prosecutor said there was probable cause for a criminal case). Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 3 Sep. 2025 At the preliminary hearing in Osage County, the judge will determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence against Morris to proceed to trial, otherwise known as determining probable cause. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2025 Teare, the district attorney, told CNN charges were not filed until authorities had probable cause. Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 2025.

Legal Definition

probable cause

see cause sense 2

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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