probation

noun

prō-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce probation (audio)
Definition of probationnext
as in investigation
a systematic search for the truth or facts about something a candidate for the priesthood must be able to withstand an intense probation of his personal character

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 probation Those say the association's judicial body may suspend a disciplinary measure, which will be re-imposed if the player at issue commits a similar infringement during the probation period. — Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 6 July 2026 The agreement came after Aldoori allegedly failed to comply with probation terms stemming from a case involving a 43-year-old patient who died following an operation, KGET reported. — David Chiu, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026 He was put on probation after pleading guilty to misdemeanor battery, but is allowed to travel outside Indiana. — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026 After serving just one match of that ban against Armenia, FIFA’s disciplinary committee commuted the final two games of his suspension to a one-year probation period, citing his historically clean record. — Wayne Sterling, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for probation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probation
  1. investigation
  2. examination
  3. inquiry
  4. exploration
  5. study
Noun
  • The agency has required the building’s owner to hire a third-party engineer to conduct a forensic evaluation — a formal investigation to determine the cause of the structural failure.
    — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
  • There were 267 investigations opened by California wildlife officials into wolf-livestock predation in 2025, up from 74 the previous year.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of investigation
Noun
  • Rescuers took the angler to a nearby landing and turned him over to EMS personnel for examination.
    — Mark Price July 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026
  • Medical consultants and therapists provide cardio and nutritional assessments, deep-tissue massages, facials, and gynecological examinations.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
Definition of examination
Noun
  • On Wednesday morning, the NCAA sent a letter of inquiry to Cincinnati centered on Sorsby and his time with the program.
    — Cal Phillips July 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026
  • These collective actions are crucial to safeguard scholarly inquiry and faculty independence against political interference.
    — Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of inquiry
Noun
  • In terms of threading the needle between the experimentation and playing Lestat does before landing on a style that’s uniquely his, Lestat’s preference for musical exploration is akin to Hart’s own.
    — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • Well, the nation came of age industrially after the Wright brothers' historic flight and has been a leader in aerospace tech and exploration ever since.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of exploration
Noun
  • Omdia’s recent study found that the volume of phones under $400 will decline, while higher price points will offset the decline.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • But that belief doesn’t appear to align with reality, as according to recent studies, women may receive significantly less in Social Security benefits than their male counterparts.
    — Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 10 July 2026
Definition of study

Browse Nearby Words

probably
probation
probationer
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Cite this Entry

“Probation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probation. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on probation

Nglish: Translation of probation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about probation

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