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probe

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verb

1
2
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
Continue reading … POLITICS COVER-UP CLAIMS – Biden's former spokesman faces House Oversight grilling in autopen probe. FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025 Andrade has clashed repeatedly with DeSantis over his probe into the Hope Florida Foundation following reporting by the Herald/Times. Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
Geier, a close Kennedy ally and longtime critic of vaccines, has been on the CDC campus for weeks, probing the agency’s data for potential harms from immunizations, according to three people with knowledge of recent events at the CDC. Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025 The office of the Four-Year Plan (economic measures initiated by Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany in 1936) asked Kadgien to move some of these assets to Switzerland, according to a Swiss investigative commission that probed the fate of assets transported to the country during and after World War II. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for probe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probe
Noun
  • As part of the investigation, the FA leant on analysis of the four suspicious matches provided by Stats Perform Integrity Services (SPIS), which is a division of data company Stats Perform.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • In addition to the Homeland Security Investigations Task Force, other agencies involved in the investigation were the Fayetteville, Eureka Springs, Harrison, Springdale and Berryville police departments, according to the release.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the fatal dog attack and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
    Latoya Gayle, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Federal safety regulators are investigating nearly 300,000 Chrysler minivans over reports of steering malfunctions that officials said could lead to a crash.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Multigenerational travel can be one of the most rewarding ways to explore the world, offering opportunities for grandparents, parents, and children to share experiences and create lasting memories together.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
  • After losing generational slugger Juan Soto to a record-setting free agent offer from the New York Mets last year, the New York Yankees may be desperate to prevent another power-hitting outfielder from exploring the open market after a single season with the franchise.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • While Schneider was expressing his feelings about the unknown state of Judge’s normally rocket arm, the Yankees seemed weary about answering these kind of inquiries.
    Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Panouses regularly fields inquiries from investors, scammers and people in need, all trying to reach his clients.
    Safiyah Riddle, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Immediately after the ball landed, Boone emerged from the dugout and asked crew chief Adrian Johnson to examine the bat.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Mayoral race spotlights local option taxes The City Council authorized a $200,000 contract with the Citizens Research Council of Michigan earlier this year to examine the feasibility of local option taxes.
    Malachi Barrett, Freep.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Every bag and piece of equipment that comes through security on Sunday will be scanned and thoroughly searched.
    Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • To search the restaurant inspections, type in a keyword or restaurant name.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Algerian is equally capable of tucking into midfield, running the flanks, playing probing passes from a wide-centre-back role or making darting movements towards goal.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The Cape Fear series adaptation — created, written, and showrun by Nick Antosca — is billed as a tense, Hitchcockian thriller and an examination of America’s obsession with true crime in the 21st century.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025
  • New technologies are always up for examination before becoming routine, said Nathan Lents, a professor of biology at the City University of New York’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
    Mark Morales, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Probe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probe. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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