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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 agency investigated once but found the claims to be unsubstantiated, according to a state child welfare report cited by the outlet.
    Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • But some Democrats believe the party has no choice but to explore Biden's complicated exit from politics.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Jamaican fibre artist Katrina Coombs engages with natural fibers to explore women’s relationships to their bodies, specifically their wombs, and their experiences within and beyond the role of motherhood.
    Byron Armstrong, Forbes.com, 20 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
  • Meanwhile, Pluto stationed retrograde on the same day, shaking things up in your immediate environment, forcing you to examine your communication style and perspective, as you could be stuck in old patterns of thinking.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Hundreds of federal, state, and local law enforcement officials are searching for the escapees.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Media regulator Ofcom is currently searching for Channel 4’s next chair, who in turn is expected to play a pivotal role in appointing a new CEO.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • On cross examination, defense lawyers questioned why Morgan has not rekindled her relationship with Ventura.
    Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 19 May 2025
  • Unfortunately, some doctors are forgoing critical examination and relying only on the blood test.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 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
  • This is because genetic studies have indicated low overall genetic diversity and the presence of distinct populations shaped by historical sea-level changes during the Last Glacial Maximum, underscoring the species’ vulnerability to environmental shifts.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 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 24 May. 2025.

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