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
Relevance
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
2
as in searching
to go into or range over for purposes of discovery
probing the depths of the undersea trench
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 probing
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
Those memorable segments demonstrated how the desk-and-sofa format could be a tool in the politician’s arsenal for shaping public opinion away from the pesky probing of journalists.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Giscard d’Estaing’s campaign self-consciously emulated American political campaigns of the day, and Depardon appropriately applies the tools of direct cinema to give us a probing, intimate look at the candidate on the cusp of power.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Jan. 2026
Our measurements show a nominal amount of responsiveness to our active probing, about 3%.
—Alberto Dainotti, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2026
The Algerian is equally capable of tucking into midfield, running the flanks, playing probing passes from a wide-centre-back role or making darting movements towards goal.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
This property allows rapid proprioceptive probing of objects.
—IEEE Spectrum, 24 June 2022
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026
The state in January contracted with Flynn Investigations Group, a Denver firm that specializes in probing workplace issues, to investigate complaints within the department, according to a copy of the agreement obtained through an open records request.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2026
The Metropolitan Police force says counterterror officers are probing the attacks on synagogues and other sites linked to the Jewish community, as well as an attack on a Persian-language media company.
—Jill Lawless, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
His disappearance sparked swirling speculation online that McCasland was taken against his will in part because of his work consulting for a non-government group that was probing the government's UFO files.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
Her stunning 2025 debut, Waiting Room, interrogated horror and discomfort through probing and foreboding synthesizer drones and crackling bass; on Carve, she’s not done with her demons yet.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026
With that said, the game has managed to rack up an impressive five million sales in under a month, developing a dedicated fanbase that's been probing and prying at the game's engine, with delightful and sometimes unexpected results.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 16 Apr. 2026
The Department of Homeland Security is separately probing whether Swalwell employed a nanny who overstayed her visa.
—Chris Fusco, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
His hair is frosted at the tips, carefully tousled; his eyes are alert, amused, ever-probing.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
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
Those memorable segments demonstrated how the desk-and-sofa format could be a tool in the politician’s arsenal for shaping public opinion away from the pesky probing of journalists.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Giscard d’Estaing’s campaign self-consciously emulated American political campaigns of the day, and Depardon appropriately applies the tools of direct cinema to give us a probing, intimate look at the candidate on the cusp of power.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 Jan. 2026
Our measurements show a nominal amount of responsiveness to our active probing, about 3%.
—Alberto Dainotti, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2026
The Algerian is equally capable of tucking into midfield, running the flanks, playing probing passes from a wide-centre-back role or making darting movements towards goal.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025
This property allows rapid proprioceptive probing of objects.
—IEEE Spectrum, 24 June 2022
Verb
This produces smooth local reference frames that guide actions such as sliding, cutting, or probing.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026
The state in January contracted with Flynn Investigations Group, a Denver firm that specializes in probing workplace issues, to investigate complaints within the department, according to a copy of the agreement obtained through an open records request.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2026
The Metropolitan Police force says counterterror officers are probing the attacks on synagogues and other sites linked to the Jewish community, as well as an attack on a Persian-language media company.
—Jill Lawless, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
His disappearance sparked swirling speculation online that McCasland was taken against his will in part because of his work consulting for a non-government group that was probing the government's UFO files.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
Her stunning 2025 debut, Waiting Room, interrogated horror and discomfort through probing and foreboding synthesizer drones and crackling bass; on Carve, she’s not done with her demons yet.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026
With that said, the game has managed to rack up an impressive five million sales in under a month, developing a dedicated fanbase that's been probing and prying at the game's engine, with delightful and sometimes unexpected results.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 16 Apr. 2026
The Department of Homeland Security is separately probing whether Swalwell employed a nanny who overstayed her visa.
—Chris Fusco, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
His hair is frosted at the tips, carefully tousled; his eyes are alert, amused, ever-probing.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 13 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probing
Noun
-
Ragnars plays Freya, the child’s mother, described as an unrelenting presence who launches her own investigation when the village begins to accept the deaths as acts of the Gods.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
22 Apr. 2026
-
From child abuse allegations to health hazards, a series of CBS News New York investigations have raised serious questions about safety at a Bright Horizons in Manhattan.—
Tim McNicholas,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Wellness There are e-bikes available for exploring the island, and the team can help arrange kite surfing or bird watching excursions.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Poet-activist Andrea Gibson and their partner Megan Falley confront Andrea’s incurable ovarian cancer diagnosis as cameras follow them, exploring how this journey deepens their love and appreciation for life.—
Brande Victorian,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
By my count, that would leave the Rangers searching for three forwards and two defensemen, plus a new backup goalie.—
Vincent Z. Mercogliano,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
That's because people like the Warneskys, who are seeking to rebuild in disaster-prone regions, are searching for greater peace of mind.—
Vanessa Romo,
NPR,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For example, there might be recent credit inquiries in your credit report.—
Jeff Lazerson,
Oc Register,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The State Department did not respond to inquiries into its selection process this year, nor the nature of Scavino and Parido’s relationship, though Scavino’s Arts in Embassies program has been advertising its partnership with the AAC.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The message came as White House staff circulated updates about correspondence between Willis and House Judiciary Committee Republicans, who were investigating possible political motivations behind her prosecution.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Assemblymember Kim has spent years investigating how those rules contributed to wage theft in home care.—
Christopher Marte,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The infant may have sustained puncture wounds, but the official cause of death is pending an examination by the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office, police said.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Colleges are beginning to respond with interviews, oral examinations, and in-person assessments.—
Gerald Bradshaw,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The film traces his long-running bid to step out of Chun’s shadow and claim the top seat himself, examining the web of alliances, rivalries, and institutional maneuvers that defines his ascent.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Blanche said ballistics experts are still examining evidence to provide more clarity on those questions.—
Alanna Durkin Richer,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The exploration of others is simultaneously a self-exploration.—
Tim Brinkhof,
JSTOR Daily,
22 Apr. 2026
-
More than four years after the team publicly floated the idea of downtown baseball, the project has been defined more by its twists and turns than its resolutions — and included explorations outside downtown and even in Kansas.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Probing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probing. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
