probably

adverb

prob·​a·​bly ˈprä-bə-blē 

ˈprä(b)-blē

: insofar as seems reasonably true, factual, or to be expected : without much doubt

is probably happy

it will probably rain

Synonyms of probably

• likely
• perhaps
• maybe

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

That’s probably not the surprising part — his speed has always been in play. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026

Here's why waiting for the inevitable post-launch discount is probably the smarter move. — Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

The movie is in theaters on July 10 and probably will be on the big screen for a while. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 July 2026

France could probably field a B and C team that would reach the quarterfinals, their depth is so staggering. — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

see probable entry 1

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for probably

• improbably

Kids Definition

probably

adverb

prob·​a·​bly ˈpräb-(ə-)blē 

ˈpräb-lē

: without much doubt : very likely