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

The Leafs were always more probable than not to lose this series and the odds now are greatly stacked against them. —Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 16 May 2025

Without human oversight, brand language may drift toward the generic, the probable, and the forgettable. —Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

Noun

Pitching probables Thursday: Off day Friday: Rockies TBA at Diamondbacks RHP Corbin Burnes (2-1, 2.95), 7:40 p.m. — Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post Want more Rockies news? —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 13 May 2025

Pitching probables Tuesday: Rockies RHP Ryan Feltner (0-0, 2.81) at Dodgers RHP Landon Knack (1-0, 10.38) Wednesday: Rockies RHP Germán Márquez (0-2, 4.60) at Dodgers TBA Thursday: Off Want more Rockies news? —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 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