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 As part of the plea agreement, Clenney was sentenced to six years in prison, followed by five years of probation. — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026 The defense did not request a precise term, but argued that Hampton was a strong candidate for probation. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Aug. 2026 Taylor Frankie Paul celebrated the end of her three-year probation after her domestic violence incident against her ex, Dakota Mortensen. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2026 He has been arrested on charges of assault against women and government officials, trespassing and violating probation and domestic violence orders eight times in the last three years, jail records show. — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for probation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probation
  1. investigation
  2. examination
  3. inquiry
  4. exploration
  5. study
Noun
  • This year, the agency has already posted 20 investigations and says work remains active for 18 foodborne illness clusters.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The Army notified his former patients there about the investigation and how to report any complaints, NBC News reported.
    — Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of investigation
Noun
  • Noor Kestou, 33, of Commerce, appeared for a preliminary examination on Thursday on an involuntary manslaughter charge, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.
    — DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • And Becca is so sassy too when Mel wants to try to do the examination.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of examination
Noun
  • He was charged in December after the Army Criminal Investigation Division opened an inquiry in October following a complaint from a patient at Fort Hood.
    — Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Minnesota authorities began criminal inquiries after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, having to fight the federal government to secure the relevant evidence.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of inquiry
Noun
  • Lichtenstein recommends supporting style exploration while still identifying realistic limits and slowing down big choices through compromise and open communication about why your teen wants to switch up their look.
    — Liz Regalia, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The energy minister said ExxonMobil plans to expand its exploration activities off Cyprus and is expected to receive an additional license to search for hydrocarbons.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of exploration
Noun
  • And in a study of a third group of over 690 participants, super movers had better cognition and lower prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • For the new study, Chang’s team created specialized fluorescent animal models that enabled them to visualize and isolate all of the cardiac neurons on the heart.
    — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of study

Browse Nearby Words

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probation
probationer
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Cite this Entry

“Probation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probation. Accessed 15 Aug. 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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