as in investigations
a systematic search for the truth or facts about something
a congressional probe into the accusations
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as in explores
to search through or into
tabloid reporters who seem determined to probe every detail of the singer's private life
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of probes
Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026
Ferruzzi and his team then did biomechanical testing, including pressing tiny probes into the tissue to measure its resistance to pressure and examining how the samples responded to compression.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 13 Mar. 2026
The Mitt left my little glass prep bowls, mini tongs, jiggers, measuring spoons, and thermometer probes sparkling clean.
—Kelsey Jane Youngman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Mar. 2026
The sweeping breadth of the trade probes also risks alienating partners and squandering the goodwill needed to forge a collective response to address Chinese industrial overcapacity, according to experts.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2026
Pearson was not charged in any of those probes.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026
The strike on the school caused outrage, with Democratic lawmakers calling for independent probes into the attack.
—Ryan Mancini, The Hill, 11 Mar. 2026
The new device increases the distance from where police can fire probes at a target from about 20 to 25 feet to as much as 45 feet, DeGaetano said.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 5 Mar. 2026
Instead of rigid probes that scar the brain, the porous, ultraflexible meshes were built to match the softness of cells and move with them.
—IEEE Spectrum, 4 Mar. 2026
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Mar. 2026
Department of Justice probes Indiana University's scholarship programs.
—Evan Frank, IndyStar, 5 Mar. 2026
Born in Guangzhou and based in Beijing, the 47-year-old Cao is known for her work that probes into the human condition amid technological transformation.
—Denni Hu, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026
The testimony comes as the committee probes Smith's actions during his time as special counsel in the Biden administration.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
The interim appointment comes a month after the Convention Center Authority parted ways with its former CEO Marcel Vernon, by way of a $500,00 severance agreement, as a state committee probes corruption allegations at the agency.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
In Sentimental Value, the writer-director Joachim Trier probes the real purpose of confessional art.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026
Aside from the annual financial review, the CSU’s internal auditing process also probes the 23 campuses in its system, including their auxiliaries.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 31 Dec. 2025
As a result of the incident, Chase suffers from memory gaps, which becomes something of a hurdle in the film when director Marina Zenovich probes Chase on his reputation for being difficult, particular incidents with SNL performer Terry Sweeney, and the conclusion of his work on Community.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Dec. 2025
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 Mar. 2026
Ferruzzi and his team then did biomechanical testing, including pressing tiny probes into the tissue to measure its resistance to pressure and examining how the samples responded to compression.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 13 Mar. 2026
The Mitt left my little glass prep bowls, mini tongs, jiggers, measuring spoons, and thermometer probes sparkling clean.
—Kelsey Jane Youngman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Mar. 2026
The sweeping breadth of the trade probes also risks alienating partners and squandering the goodwill needed to forge a collective response to address Chinese industrial overcapacity, according to experts.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2026
Pearson was not charged in any of those probes.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026
The strike on the school caused outrage, with Democratic lawmakers calling for independent probes into the attack.
—Ryan Mancini, The Hill, 11 Mar. 2026
The new device increases the distance from where police can fire probes at a target from about 20 to 25 feet to as much as 45 feet, DeGaetano said.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 5 Mar. 2026
Instead of rigid probes that scar the brain, the porous, ultraflexible meshes were built to match the softness of cells and move with them.
—IEEE Spectrum, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
With a different school as the backdrop for each chapter, the series probes the ambitions, secrets, and corruptions that fester within institutions.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Mar. 2026
Department of Justice probes Indiana University's scholarship programs.
—Evan Frank, IndyStar, 5 Mar. 2026
Born in Guangzhou and based in Beijing, the 47-year-old Cao is known for her work that probes into the human condition amid technological transformation.
—Denni Hu, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026
The testimony comes as the committee probes Smith's actions during his time as special counsel in the Biden administration.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
The interim appointment comes a month after the Convention Center Authority parted ways with its former CEO Marcel Vernon, by way of a $500,00 severance agreement, as a state committee probes corruption allegations at the agency.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
In Sentimental Value, the writer-director Joachim Trier probes the real purpose of confessional art.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026
Aside from the annual financial review, the CSU’s internal auditing process also probes the 23 campuses in its system, including their auxiliaries.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 31 Dec. 2025
As a result of the incident, Chase suffers from memory gaps, which becomes something of a hurdle in the film when director Marina Zenovich probes Chase on his reputation for being difficult, particular incidents with SNL performer Terry Sweeney, and the conclusion of his work on Community.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probes
Noun
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Kevin Fox, Minnetonka fire chief, said Johnson was methodical in his investigations.—
Ray Campos,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Follow the investigations and see what our journalists uncover in North Texas and across the state.—
Julia James,
Dallas Morning News,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This book explores the intricacies of women's life and how those deep bonds can ultimately empower and uplift.—
Jessica Moore,
USA Today,
18 Mar. 2026
-
The book explores the intricacies of farming weed and extracting THC oils as well as California’s drug laws.—
Stuart Miller,
Oc Register,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The report reveals that searches for DIY home décor were up 79 percent year over year.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Paul Chong, the commissioner of city records, will work as acting head of the elections department while the city searches for a permanent commissioner, the mayor’s office said.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Costco and Lowe’s did not respond to inquiries.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
16 Mar. 2026
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Her practice is a rigorous exploration of the institutions of family and religion, constructing images that serve as profound inquiries into the systems that mold the individual soul.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This story was originally published by ProPublica, a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
16 Mar. 2026
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That number is an almost certain undercount as the medical examiner generally only investigates those who die outside.—
Blake Nelson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Incorporating personal narratives into explorations of design elements, and photographic techniques.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Taurus April 20 – May 20 The cosmic breeze is carrying fascinating scents, drawing you out of your comfort zone into curious explorations.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The show, on display through November, will also feature the work of contemporary artist Marianne Nicolson, who examines the impact of commercial fisheries in British Columbia’s Indigenous communities.—
Michael James Rocha,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
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Logan also helped create the 2026 NIPSCO Energy Affordability Impact Brief, which examines residents’ bills in the last few months compared to a year ago.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Early veterinary examinations found the animal appears healthy — a remarkable outcome given the circumstances of its trip.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
13 Mar. 2026
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Early veterinary examinations found the animal appears healthy — a remarkable outcome given the circumstances.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Probes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probes. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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