probe 1 of 2

probe

2 of 2

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
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 Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is investigating the incident.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • The National Transportation Safety Bureau is investigating the crash.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • In Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson, publishing on May 20 from Tiny Reparations Books, transgender author and artist Tourmaline explores the trailblazer and civil rights activist's life beyond Stonewall.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • The Oklahoma Department of Education and Walters' office did not respond to an inquiry from USA TODAY.
    Kayla Jimenez, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • But the teacher who wrote the Sept. 27, 2023, email included student names, and the teacher who wrote the Nov. 1, 2023 email provided student names in response to an inquiry by Williams-James, the two teachers told The Bee.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Also, take some time to examine the perimeter of your yard to ensure any gates and fences are secure and don’t have any gaps through which your pup can easily escape.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • The other top challenge for companies is light, which includes examining the lights' color-rendering index and prioritizing low flickering and warm colors.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Divers scoured the water and deployed sonar scanners to search for Daniel until nightfall.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
  • In an era where consumer attention is fleeting and digital content saturation is at an all-time high, marketers are searching for ways to create more engaging, interactive experiences.
    Jiajun Lu, Forbes.com, 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
  • Filling my cup with adventure, exploration, pampering, and rest was everything.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 16 May 2025
  • So far in 2025, lunar exploration has surged forward.
    Zhenbo Wang, The Conversation, 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Probe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probe. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on probe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!