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probe

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verb

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as in to explore
to go into or range over for purposes of discovery probing the depths of the undersea trench

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb probe differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of probe are enter, penetrate, and pierce. While all these words mean "to make way into something," probe implies penetration to investigate or explore something hidden from sight or knowledge.

probed the depths of the sea

When is it sensible to use enter instead of probe?

In some situations, the words enter and probe are roughly equivalent. However, enter is the most general of these and may imply either going in or forcing a way in.

entered the city in triumph

When is penetrate a more appropriate choice than probe?

The meanings of penetrate and probe largely overlap; however, penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance.

the enemy penetrated the fortress

When might pierce be a better fit than probe?

While in some cases nearly identical to probe, pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument.

pierced the boil with a lancet

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 probe
Noun
That probe energized the recall, which easily passed with more than 60% of the vote. Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025 Typically, a gel will be applied to the body to help the ultrasound waves transmit from the probe and into the body. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
Modern neuroscience equips us with a powerful arsenal of tools to probe how disease changes brain activity in mice. Adam Kepecs, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025 In 1977, the Justice Department launched a task force to probe the FBI's harassment and investigations of King, as well as his assassination and the criminal investigation. Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for probe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probe
Verb
  • Secondly, investigating the relationship between immediate and medium-term returns following the earnings announcement to guide trading choices after the release.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • While the researchers were investigating their ChoiceJacking attacks last year, Google independently updated its confirmation with the release of version 15 in November.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The property is not all-inclusive and encourages guests to explore the culinary scene around the island.
    Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2025
  • By demystifying the practice and speaking candidly about its benefits, Lennon and Harrison opened the door for millions to explore meditation as a means of achieving inner peace, resilience, and self-understanding.
    Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Treasury Department on Wednesday sent an inquiry to the IRS’s acting chief counsel, Andrew De Mello, asking the agency to rescind Harvard’s tax-exempt status, according to The Washington Post.
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
  • While there have been a few inquiries, Iggy still hasn't found his forever home.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • With information about each respondent, researchers can examine in more detail the sources and causes of these changes.
    William Dunkelberg, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Last month, the Baltimore City Council hosted an oversight hearing to examine the culture and workplace safety of our Department of Public Works (DPW).
    Zac Blanchard, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Elsewhere, investigators searched the house, the barn and even the pond.
    Susan Mallie, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Investigators are searching for the suspect, described as a man in his 20s or 30s wearing all black and black headphones.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Indeed, the true subject of the film’s examination turns out to be Nina herself, a doctor whose steady, unfailingly professional surface barely conceals self-lacerating anguish.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2025
  • That account, however, could open him up for the first time to cross examination on the witness stand.
    Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In summer, the midnight sun bathes the landscape in 24-hour daylight, allowing for endless exploration.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • This is a moving exploration of grief and the drama's most emotional hour.
    Christian Holub, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The study was published April 24 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The study was published in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Probe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probe. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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