Synonyms of probing

probing 1 of 2

noun

as in investigation

a systematic search for the truth or facts about something

questionings and probings by several committees into the affair

Synonyms & Similar Words

• investigation
• inquiry
• examination
• exploration
• probe
• study
• research
• inspection
• delving
• inquisition
• disquisition
• inquest
• probation
• survey
• questionnaire
• audit
• interrogation
• examen
• quest
• diagnosis
• hearing
• question
• checkup
• query
• trial
• challenge
• poll
• check
• grilling
• cross-examination
• feeler
• soul-searching
• reinvestigation
• rehearing
• questionary
• self-examination
• quiz
• self-questioning
• self-scrutiny
• going-over
• self-reflection
• self-exploration

probing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of probe

1

as in exploring

to search through or into

tabloid reporters who seem determined to probe every detail of the singer's private life

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exploring
• investigating
• examining
• researching
• looking (into)
• inspecting
• digging (into)
• inquiring (into)
• scanning
• delving (into)
• studying
• checking into
• viewing
• checking up on
• sifting
• perusing
• surfing
• skimming (through)
• browsing
• thumbing (through)
• cruising
• reinvestigating

2

as in searching

to go into or range over for purposes of discovery

probing the depths of the undersea trench

Synonyms & Similar Words

• searching
• exploring
• hunting
• prospecting
• discovering
• skirring
• scouting
• disclosing
• revealing
• reconnoitering
• unearthing
• plumbing
• fathoming
• sounding

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of probing

Noun

There was Wall Street Journal reporter Josh Dawsey, accepting an award for his relentless probing of the White House. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 25 July 2026

But neither of them seemed eager to undergo much emotional probing. — Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026

Mission two was to do a lot of listening, a lot of probing, a lot of asking questions, skip levels to really understand the opportunity for the go forward, but also embrace what makes TIAA incredibly special. — Fortune Editors, Fortune, 22 June 2026

Davis’ ability to reflect and respond with his pithy probing of the disagreeing chord turned chaos into something cogent. — Steven D. Reske, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026

It’s composed of 22 bilaterally symmetric appendages that ring the nostrils and move independently, sweeping the substrate in continuous probing arcs. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026

Here’s a probing, exclusive, in-depth conversation Benn had with The Athletic following Monday’s practice. — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026

The hosts also talk about Prasad’s second exit from the FDA and a congressman’s probing of the agency’s rare disease drug denials. — Adam Feuerstein, STAT, 12 Mar. 2026

To this end, the event was likely either a misunderstanding or a deliberate probing of China’s aerial defense response. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026

Verb

The distress call Crump is probing has also stirred up further speculation and threats. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Investigators are probing their relationship to the victim and what precipitated the attack. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

The four officers involved are on administrative leave and a state investigation is probing the incident, Patterson said. — Chris Looft, ABC News, 24 July 2026

By probing several feet underground, Juno has revealed how heat moves through the moon's crust for the first time. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 24 July 2026

The moment Spain won it Spain kept pushing, probing, attacking and asking incessant questions of the Argentina rearguard. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 19 July 2026

Anna’s attitude speaks to the jealousy that fuels the movie’s wider narrative – Jack is adored, largely inappropriately, by all the members of his family – while his father’s probing highlights a warped sense of entitlement. — CNN Money, 17 July 2026

The interview with Conde was conducted by NBC News anchor Tom Llamas, so corporate synergy generally prevailed over probing questions. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 15 July 2026

Once a major proof appears, mathematicians immediately begin probing it, looking for ways to sharpen the argument or squeeze out slightly stronger bounds. — Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 15 July 2026