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.
In 2021, when the Supreme Court of the United States ruled--probably correctly--that athletes could be paid, the athletic world changed. Arkansas Online, 24 Jan. 2026 The Aztecs will play again without 7-foot starting forward Magoon Gwath, who is sidelined with what Dutcher has called a hip injury for probably another week, if not longer. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026 That context is probably enough to appreciate some of the film’s most delightful asides, such as a profile of the man behind GumBusters — a business that power blasts old gum off the streets of NYC — and a brief aside into the temporary venues that host Wilson’s favorite DIY noise shows. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2026 Some of them are probably not from Minneapolis at all but are paid professionals. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 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 28 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

probably

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

More from Merriam-Webster on probably

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