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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
Maine’s state department of education is also the target of a new probe, based on allegations that some transgender athletes were involved in school sports. Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025 Another player – Miami Heat’s Terry Rozier – is under investigation in connection with the same gambling probe that led to Johntay Porter receiving a lifetime ban. Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
Peacock’s Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy, now streaming, veers between probing the investigation into his death and delivering a sentimental remembrance of the beloved star of sitcom juggernaut Friends. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 2025 For decades, Taiwan has faced the possibility of invasion by China, which now sends fighter jets and warships nearly every day to probe its defenses. Chris Buckley, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for probe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probe
Verb
  • The district told Child Protective Services about these reports, and the agency is investigating, the district’s statement notes.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Local and state officials are investigating the 26-year-old's death as a homicide.
    Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Our four-day, three-night stay at Kempinski Palace Engelberg, the 129-room and suite Grand Dame of the town, proved enough time to explore, relax, and enjoy.
    Alexandra Cheney, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2025
  • After starring in the Western historical drama for nearly a decade, Gilbert explored other opportunities in Hollywood, focusing on television.
    Julie Tremaine, People.com, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Netanyahu has resisted forming a commission of inquiry.
    Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Despite public pressure, including from the families of the roughly 1,200 people killed in the Oct. 7 attack and the 251 taken as hostages into Gaza, Netanyahu has resisted calls for a commission of inquiry.
    MOHAMMAD JAHJOUH, WAFAA SHURAFA, NATALIE MELZER AND TIA GOLDENBERG THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Susan Zirinsky, a former CBS News president, will continue to examine standards at the news division on an interim basis, McMahon said.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 27 Feb. 2025
  • According to a probable-cause affidavit obtained by NJ.com, troopers performing a load securement check asked to examine how the tractor-trailer’s doors were sealed.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • East Point, Prince Edward Island Less than ninety minutes east of the provincial capital of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island’s East Point is perfect for a morning spent searching for shorebirds on the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • In the 50 years since Hilbert’s 10th problem was resolved, mathematicians have been searching for this cutoff.
    Joseph Howlett, WIRED, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Jesse once again raises the bar with a bold examination of modern greed, power and male ambition.
    Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Changes that can be detected during an examination, such as an enlarged blind spot and thickened retina owing to swelling where the optic nerve joins the retina (known as optic-disc oedema), are unlikely to be noticed by the affected person.
    Neil Savage, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • One of the main draws is its vast lagoon, the largest in French Polynesia, teaming with marine life, providing plenty of opportunities for underwater exploration.
    Dobrina Zhekova, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The installation features 11 projects blending art and science into interactive experiences focused on scientific ocean exploration.
    La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Multiple studies have shown that the health benefits of work done by EPA outweigh the costs by more than 30 to 1.
    Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Around 99% of its students rely on federal funding in some way, whether loans, grants or federal work study programs.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Probe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probe. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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