probable

1 of 2

adjective

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

probable

2 of 2

noun

: one that is probable

Synonyms

Adjective

• believable
• credible
• creditable
• likely
• plausible
• presumptive

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

Adjective

For his next act, Bill Zito tries something else no one thought possible, financially practical or any-which-way probable. —Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2025

The March flight failed in similar fashion, but SpaceX's investigators determined the most probable root cause was a hardware failure in one of the ship's engines, a different failure mode than two months before. —ArsTechnica, 19 June 2025

Noun

Pitching probables Thursday: Rockies RHP Chase Dollander (2-7, 6.57) at Nationals RHP Trevor Williams (3-8, 5.71), 11:15 a.m. Friday: Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (4-8, 5.19) at Rockies LHP Austin Gomber (0-0, 0.00), 6:40 p.m. Want more Rockies news? —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 17 June 2025

Even with two All-Star aces as probables, we should be treated to ample offense this weekend. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 30 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin probabilis commendable, probable, from probare to test, approve, prove — more at prove

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1638, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing probable

• probable cause

Rhymes for probable

• improbable

Kids Definition

probable

adjective

prob·​a·​ble

ˈpräb-ə-bəl

: reasonably sure but not certain of happening or being true : likely