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

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo will decide whether the prosecution offered enough evidence to demonstrate probable cause to proceed to trial. — Madeline Morrison, NBC news, 22 July 2026

The preliminary hearing is expected to last three to five days, with prosecutors seeking to establish probable cause to move forward with a trial. — Alex Stone, ABC News, 21 July 2026

The probable cause affidavit states that in an interview after his arrest, Lequerique expressed remorse, acknowledged the X account was his and admitted to altering images and searching online for similar material. — Laurie Mermet, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2026

Police responded Saturday to West Franklin and North Ten Mile Road regarding a vehicle collision in the left turn lane of Franklin, according to probable cause affidavits filed by two officers, Kyle Keillor and Taylor Sherman. — Alex Brizee july 17, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1676, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for probable cause

• magnetopause
• ahs
• baas
• clause
• claws
• coz
• daws
• draws
• flaws
• gauze
• gnaws
• haws

Legal Definition

probable cause

see also:

cause sense 2