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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 science payload to be landed there includes seismometers, a drill to allow emplacement of heat flow and electrical conductivity probes, and instruments to study the magnetic field and surface weathering. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2025 The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the raids are linked to a probe into human trafficking and other potential federal crimes. Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Verb
Forty-eight hours removed from a one-day cameo appearance by rain over the Bay Area, the next question forecasters were probing was: When will the high pressure build high enough and thick enough to create a summer-like simmer? Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 14 May 2025 New clients fill out a 62-question personality and values assessment, probing everything from relationship priorities to legacy goals. Sergei Klebnikov, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for probe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probe
Verb
  • The Butte County District Attorney’s Office, the county’s Officer Involved Shooting Protocol Team and the state Department of Justice were investigating the incident.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 10 May 2025
  • The Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the servicemembers’ involvement along with the DEA.
    Max Levy, Denver Post, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Tariffs introduced by the Trump Administration in April could impact supply chains and induce ESA to explore broader cooperative partnerships with countries including Japan, India, South Korea and Gulf nations.
    Andrew Jones, Space.com, 8 May 2025
  • New research from Cotton Incorporated explores the qualities of a jean built to last for years before entering the recycling or upcycling processes.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • In fact, Trump views the Justice Department as a tool to uplift his political agenda, undoing the dedicated work of dozens of federal agents and prosecutors with his blanket pardon of the Jan. 6 insurrectionists and punishing or firing personnel that had engaged in disfavored inquiries.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 May 2025
  • Five Below also did not respond to a media inquiry.
    Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • The study also examined the likelihood of atypical handedness in clinical populations, or groups of people diagnosed with a specific set of health conditions compared to a control population.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2025
  • Veterans: Fearlessly examine your military leadership experience and take inventory of your wins and losses.
    Scott Graybeal, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • The couple searched for someone who could offer something more.
    David Armstrong, ProPublica, 8 May 2025
  • This is the latest example of brands and communications firms looking to tie closer to film and TV producers and decision makers to create new IP, as companies search for cost-efficient and creative ways to finance ideas.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Its message: Instead of going to see a doctor in person, customers can get access to prescription drugs and medicines by filling in a medical intake form and then undergoing an examination online by a medical professional to check their eligibility.
    Jemima McEvoy, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • Expand All State administrative complaints says Miami Lakes Plastic Surgery did surgeries without documented proper examination, liposuction with too much fat removed and didn’t provide patients with enough information before surgeries.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • So far in 2025, lunar exploration has surged forward.
    Zhenbo Wang, The Conversation, 16 May 2025
  • Filling my cup with adventure, exploration, pampering, and rest was everything.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • On average, fuel use dropped by about 23 percent, the study found.
    Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 18 May 2025
  • Additionally, there are likely other factors that may contribute to feeling relaxed after getting a massage, such as deep breathing, the study mentioned.
    Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Probe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probe. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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