probable

adjective

ˈprä-bə-bəl How to pronounce probable (audio)
Definition of probablenext
1
as in plausible
worthy of being accepted as true or reasonable the counselor could find no probable reason for the girl's bizarre actions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in possible
having a high chance of occurring a probable outcome of the price increase will be lower consumption

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of probable But the survey shows voters, and Latinos in particular, have mixed views on the significance and impact of Becerra’s probable win. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 As critics have noted, though both Soares and Yudkowsky have spent much time fretting about an AI apocalypse, there’s no consensus that such a future is even possible — let alone probable. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 28 Oct. 2026 When a conjunction is probable, SSA/STC service providers alert the operators involved, who then decide whether to undertake a collision-avoidance maneuver. — David Zamora, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026 The former will undoubtedly be supplied by Jacob Misiorowski, the Brewers’ 24-year-old flame-throwing phenom and probable Cy Young Award winner. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for probable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probable
  1. plausible
  2. possible
  3. credible
  4. likely
  5. inevitable
  6. potential
Adjective
  • The structure of World War Z lends the material a dreadful credibility, with the prospect of a zombie apocalypse never seeming more plausible.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Faruqui said prosecutors had not identified a plausible motive for why the former officials might have made intentionally false statements.
    — Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of plausible
Adjective
  • Digital twin technology makes this possible by creating virtual representations of real-world objects, systems, and processes that can be updated with operational data.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The meteorological agency warned people to brace for possible strong quakes in the coming week, especially the next two to three days.
    — Yuri Kageyama, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • Awards should turn on academic quality, open inquiry, and credible protections against ideological capture.
    — Ilya Shapiro, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • If assessors judge a threat credible, the crew is informed and the captain takes command of decisions for the aircraft, guided by company procedures.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of credible
Adjective
  • Acton will take office in January with a GOP-majority legislature that's likely to severely limit her authority.
    — Sarah Donaldson, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The results are also likely to send shockwaves across the country after Kansas became an unlikely battleground in a national fight for control of Congress.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of likely
Adjective
  • Good design moments are inevitable when a fashion designer and architect team up.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Legal experts believe the end of the death penalty is likely inevitable in California, with or without Newsom’s involvement.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of inevitable
Adjective
  • Within this framework, advanced radar systems serve as a critical component by providing information about potential aerial activity.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The potential Democratic hopeful for president is not a socialist.
    — Grace Byron, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of potential

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probability
probable
probably
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Cite this Entry

“Probable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probable. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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