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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
The probe was delayed from 2022, and headed for the asteroid Psyche, using a Mars-gravity assist and not arriving until August 2029. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2025 President Donald Trump has repeatedly railed against the Russia probe, calling for the jailing of political opponents. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
Verb
The questioning included probing organizational systems in place to manage risk, and NTSB board member Michael Graham noted the breakdowns were a failing of these essential programs. Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2025 The subsidiary of the French house is being probed by Dutch authorities for its connection to a money-laundering case against a Chinese woman. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for probe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probe
Verb
  • Park Ridge police are investigating after a 7-Eleven convenience store was recently robbed and a clerk believed to be sprayed with mace, in an incident where cigarettes and alcohol were reported stolen.
    Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Our office is investigating the City's practices in reducing harm and liability payouts.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Although initial safety profiles are encouraging and side effects manageable, ongoing studies are exploring methods to reduce or eliminate immune suppression, such as gene editing and immune cloaking techniques.
    William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The story draws on forecasting research to explore how emerging AI could plausibly reshape policing and justice.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Eagle Hills Elementary did not answer the Statesman’s questions, directing inquiries to the school district.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The department is currently gathering information, Yates said, but will not begin an official inquiry until after the teenager’s Aug. 28 juvenile court appearance.
    Caroline Neal, The Courier-Journal, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • This would allow the team to examine offset sediment layers and date past quakes, providing a clearer picture of the fault's recurrence rate.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Last year, the FAA's leadership under the Biden administration established a committee to examine the shortcomings of Part 450.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Louisville Metro Police Department is searching for an unknown driver after a bicyclist was struck in a fatal hit-and-run accident Aug. 11.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Security and regulations Attendees will go through a metal detection system and all bags will be searched.
    Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Carter said the lab is involved in fingerprinting, narcotics, toxicology and firearms examination.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The examination was conducted by Firefly Investigations, a Pennsylvania company with law enforcement expertise.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The plan calls for up to two drill rigs operating simultaneously during exploration.
    John Leos, AZCentral.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • As search efforts continue, there has been no sign of the 46-year-old woman — even after a multi-agency exploration of a nearby forest preserve.
    Sam Gillette, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • But the study also claims London lags behind other cities, such as Singapore and Copenhagen, in its adaptation financing efforts.
    Jamie Hailstone, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • The study showed several Arizona cities stood out for their low clothing spending as a percentage of income, with Gilbert topping the national list.
    Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Probe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probe. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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