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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
  • Dina investigates the nearby trees and returns to puke her guts out.
    EW.com, EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Relief investigated the case.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Rams were high on Ferguson even as one of a few scenarios explored in the first round.
    Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The book explores the exploitation of undocumented Angelenos by both gang overlords and local law enforcement.
    Karla Marie Sanford, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Netanyahu has tried to blame the failures on the army and security agencies and repeatedly resisted calls for an official state commission of inquiry that would look into the government decision-making as well.
    Natalie Melzer, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Secondly, Clayman suggests embarking on a period of inquiry.
    Katia Riddle, NPR, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Below, The Associated Press examines some of the potential reasons for Sanders’ free fall, using the QB’s own words, his father’s comments, the analysis of pundits and his on-the-field performance.
    David Brandt, Denver Post, 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
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • According to a recent study published in the Oxford Journal of Archaeology, the antler was found on a stone platform among other objects made from stone, bone and antler, as well as human skull fragments.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
  • In a new report published by Billboard on April 17, studies found that of the 80,000-plus attendees at the music festival, roughly 60% used a payment plan to afford their tickets.
    Daniela Avila, People.com, 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 3 May. 2025.

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