PROBABLY Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

probably

adverb

ˈprä-bə-blē

Definition of probably

as in likely

by reasonable assumption we would probably win that bet

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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 probably Worse, these numbers probably understate the actual problem significantly. — Gregory Kearney, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026 The answer here is probably not direct payment, which risks reducing a genuinely complex ethical relationship to a transaction and may actually deter some physicians who respond, precisely because the act feels outside the market. — Sriman Swarup, STAT, 13 July 2026 Playing in the sand is probably as old as the first humanoids to wander onto a beach. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 13 July 2026 Garbrandt’s problems probably are not fixable by a new camp or a better game plan. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for probably

Recent Examples of Synonyms for probably

Adverb

Folsom police on Monday said the death was likely an accident and not a result of foul play.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Researchers detected high abundances of sodium, likely from icy brines within the original asteroid.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Definition of likely

Adverb

Those with more modest means are falling further behind and, perhaps most alarmingly, finding fewer pathways to the economic mobility that has helped define the American dream.

— Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Meeting—and perhaps, even overshooting— your daily protein goals are one of the ways to prevent muscle loss while on the drug.

— Audrey Noble, Vogue, 16 July 2026

Definition of perhaps

Adverb

That sequence would be remembered as one of the more famous, hilarious stretches in recent golf history, maybe even the core memory of Spieth’s ever-entertaining prime.

— Brody Miller, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Neill was a performer whose bone-deep decency shone through his work and was amplified in later years by a social-media presence that featured him reminiscing about his career or hanging out with animals on his farm, or maybe cuddling a duck.

— Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 14 July 2026

Definition of maybe

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probable

probably

probation

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“Probably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probably. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of probably

adverb

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