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 Not his first problems with the law The murders unfolded five months after Sierra was released from jail for violating probation after police located a gun inside the home. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026 Officers arrested a man who was on felony probation in Santa Clara County on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, CHP said. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026 His most recent charges violated the conditions of his probation, causing that case to be reopened. — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026 Police said the passenger was on felony probation and subject to a full search clause. — Bay City News, Mercury News, 15 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
  • During the investigation, police were alerted to two shooting victims who had walked into area hospitals, including Chance.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The investigation into the shocking death of Hayden Panettiere has been joined by the Drug Enforcement Administration, a source familiar with the matter told The New York Times.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 20 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
  • Anne Arundel County Public Schools previously responded to inquiries about the joint statement from the DOJ and Education Department.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • By Tuesday afternoon, more than 107,000 people had signed an open letter calling on the government to commission a public inquiry into media coverage of Arday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of inquiry
Noun
  • Even without the question of more victims, the Manson case presented a new exploration of true crime, and the way the public processes it.
    — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Crescent Energy Crescent Energy (CRGY) is an exploration and production company with activities focused in the Eagle Ford, Permian and Uinta Basins.
    — , CNBC, 16 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

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 21 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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