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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 Justice Department reportedly closed a probe into whether Homan accepted $50,000 for potential government contracts. Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 26 Sep. 2025 The investigation, which includes an anti-dumping probe, comes just days after Mexican authorities slapped duties on an array of Chinese imports from textiles to steel and automotive parts. Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
The demand seeks to probe potential wrongdoing, mismanagement and fiduciary breaches by the Disney board and its leadership, according to the letter. Reuters, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2025 Working with microbial geneticists in France, the group is now probing that possibility further, with promising early results. Elie Dolgin, IEEE Spectrum, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for probe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probe
Noun
  • An investigation is underway into the incident, and investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fight, according to the sheriff’s office.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Prosecutors say Comey lied about authorizing an FBI source to speak to the media about the investigation and obstructed Congress by making false statements intended to impede lawmakers’ probe into the FBI’s actions, according to a copy of the indictment obtained by The Washington Post.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • At least eight Salvadoran officials who had been investigating MS-13 and corruption, including some who had worked with Vulcan agents, fled the country after threats, harassment, and searches of their homes and offices.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Officials shut down a stretch of South Mission Road to investigate.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Here are Madsen’s five places to recommend for dining and exploring in Scripps Ranch.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Middle Tennessee's erosion-prone limestone and other hard bedrock have historically precluded Nashville leadership from exploring underground transportation.
    Hadley Hitson, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Magdalene Serenity House received inquiries from 190 women seeking a safe place to heal, recover and rebuild in 2024 with 117 meeting the group's eligibility requirements, organizers say.
    Carin Schoppmeyer, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Others under investigation include former CIA Director John Brennan over the Russia inquiry and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook for alleged mortgage fraud.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Some institutions, such as Boston Children's Hospital, will look to identify environmental exposures that may lead to autism while others, such as Drexel University, will examine the of diet and its interactions with other exposures in the development of autism.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The oral health category underwent a total refresh in the last few years, as brands and consumers have turned their focus from aesthetics and appearance to examining the impact of the mouth on overall health.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Navy searched the area extensively, but after two weeks, Earhart and Noonan were declared lost at sea.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Officers began searching the area and located a man inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds in the 8200 block of Holmes Road.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 26 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
  • Bonis declined to share names, but said that their examination revealed multiple errors that could cause harm to patients.
    Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • And some two weeks after the incident, the agency found that the hospital had violated EMTALA in three ways, including failing to provide even the most basic care through a medical examination of the patient — beyond just eyeballing him.
    Eli Cahan, ProPublica, 23 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Probe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probe. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

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