Thesaurus results for PROBE

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

probe 1 of 2

noun

ˈprōb

Definition of probe next

as in investigation

a systematic search for the truth or facts about something a congressional probe into the accusations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

probe

2 of 2

verb

as in to investigate

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 reported completion of that probe would follow the Pentagon’s recent blacklisting of Chinese container shipping giant Cosco Shipping, which the U.S. Department of Defense now designates as a Chinese military company. —

Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 14 Jan. 2025 Special counsel’s biting defense of Trump Jan. 6 probe Jack Smith. —

Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 14 Jan. 2025

Verb

Live updates: Winds prolong fire risk as investigators probe electric tower as possible origin of Eaton fire Two of the victims have been officially identified by the county agency. —

Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025 This pacey, polished diversion finds its cast too funny to bother probing far into such matters. —

Dennis Harvey, Variety, 12 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for probe

Recent Examples of Synonyms for probe

Verb

Family, friends mourn death of 9-year-old boy in Florida City On Tuesday, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating the shooting, arrested 19-year-old Montreal Savontae Jackson Jr.

— Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025
The Pulaski County sheriff's office is investigating Ireland's death.

— Remington Miller, arkansasonline.com, 22 Jan. 2025