probably

adverb

prob·​a·​bly ˈprä-bə-blē How to pronounce probably (audio)
ˈprä(b)-blē
: 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.
Muchová, a former French Open finalist and two-time U.S. Open semifinalist, will be a major favorite but the crowd (probably a night one) will be rooting hard for Venus. Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025 The safest bet here is probably a close game early, as both of these teams have a lot to figure out after so much offseason roster -- and in Fresno State's case, coaching -- upheaval. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025 Think of the recent heat waves in places like the Pacific Northwest, where a lack of air conditioning probably contributed to the deaths of dozens of people in 2021, according to research conducted a few years later. Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025 This is the Pacheco that Chiefs fans know and love, although there were probably a few fans who held their breath after Pacheco hit the wall. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2025 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 4 Sep. 2025.

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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