probably

adverb

prob·​a·​bly ˈprä-bə-blē How to pronounce probably (audio)
ˈprä(b)-blē
Synonyms of probablynext
: insofar as seems reasonably true, factual, or to be expected : without much doubt
is probably happy
it will probably rain

Examples of probably in a Sentence

The impact probably added all but the last few percent of Earth's mass and set the stage for Earth's and the Moon's subsequent evolution. Mark Wilson, Physics Today, February 2008
It was no secret that McKay preferred the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat, and that, along with his innocent optimism and snark-free sincerity, probably makes him hopelessly old-fashioned. Richard Hoffer, Sports Illustrated, 16 June 2008
But what these newly inaugurated gym rats probably don't know is that besides buffing up their bodies for summer, they're also buffing up their brains. Christen Brownlee, Science News, 25 Feb. 2006
It will probably rain today. They will probably be here soon. It was probably the best concert I've ever been to. There were probably about 150 people at the wedding. “Are you going to the picnic?” “Probably.” “Can you finish painting the room today?” “Probably not.”
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.
Xander is a promising piece of tech (and a delightful source of dark humor), but Martin should probably be keeping at least one eye on his actual child, Tess (Thailey Roberge). Ben Travers, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2026 The biggest issue with this offense has probably been the lack of home-run power. Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026 The open threats probably wouldn’t fly past committee, but Jerry’s willingness to sacrifice student wellbeing for profit has the whiff of many a modern Ivy League president. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026 These were probably giant kangaroo rats, a native species whose numbers have been growing since their listing as an endangered species in 1987. Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for probably

Word History

Etymology

see probable entry 1

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of probably was in 1600

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Probably.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probably. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

probably

adverb
prob·​a·​bly ˈpräb-(ə-)blē How to pronounce probably (audio)
ˈpräb-lē
: without much doubt : very likely

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