probative
adjective
pro·ba·tive
ˈprō-bə-tiv 
1
: serving to test or try : exploratory
2
: serving to prove : substantiating
Synonyms
Examples of probative in a Sentence
no dearth of probative evidence for the theory of evolution
Recent Examples on the Web
The length of the trial was due to a combination of appeals and the prosecution’s strategy to present as much evidence as possible to entertain multiple paths to conviction, even when such evidence was of little probative value.
—
Tatiana Carayannis, Foreign Affairs, 5 Apr. 2016
Her recent albums have been even more probative.
—Sheldon Pearce, The New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2021
Weinstein's lawyers argued before the trial that use of such testimony is more prejudicial than probative, but the judge who presided over the trial decided to allow it following a secret hearing.
—Maria Puente, USA TODAY, 2 June 2022
If the emails are probative, the jury should see them.
—Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 14 May 2022
Judges are supposed to allow or bar such witnesses based on whether their testimony is more probative than prejudicial.
—Maria Puente, USA TODAY, 12 May 2022
When presented with these potential witnesses, trial judges have to balance whether their testimony is properly probative or impermissibly prejudicial.
—Maria Puente, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2022
Justice Breyer said additional evidence of Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s behavior could have been probative.
—Jess Bravin, WSJ, 4 Mar. 2022
Introducing Debra Clayton’s death is unnecessary and the prejudicial impact would outweigh the probative value of the evidence.
—Jeff Weiner, orlandosentinel.com, 24 July 2019
Tatiana Carayannis, Foreign Affairs, 5 Apr. 2016
Her recent albums have been even more probative.
—Sheldon Pearce, The New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2021
Weinstein's lawyers argued before the trial that use of such testimony is more prejudicial than probative, but the judge who presided over the trial decided to allow it following a secret hearing.
—Maria Puente, USA TODAY, 2 June 2022
If the emails are probative, the jury should see them.
—Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 14 May 2022
Judges are supposed to allow or bar such witnesses based on whether their testimony is more probative than prejudicial.
—Maria Puente, USA TODAY, 12 May 2022
When presented with these potential witnesses, trial judges have to balance whether their testimony is properly probative or impermissibly prejudicial.
—Maria Puente, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2022
Justice Breyer said additional evidence of Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s behavior could have been probative.
—Jess Bravin, WSJ, 4 Mar. 2022
Introducing Debra Clayton’s death is unnecessary and the prejudicial impact would outweigh the probative value of the evidence.
—Jeff Weiner, orlandosentinel.com, 24 July 2019
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'probative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near probative
Cite this Entry
“Probative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probative. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
probative
adjective
pro·ba·tive
ˈprō-bə-tiv
1
: serving or tending to prove
evidence of the use of an alias by a defendant is often probative of nothing—Case & Comment
compare prejudicial
Case & Comment2
: of or relating to proof
evidence with probative value
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