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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
  • There have also been several studies that aim to investigate the health impacts of congestion pricing schemes.
    Laurie Winkless, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • While authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Konanki’s disappearance, the sources told the outlets that Konanki’s clothes were found on a chaise lounge on the beach and noted there were no signs of violence.
    Nicole Acosta, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Thompson and Eaton are two candidates, but the front office is also exploring external options.
    Gabrielle Starr, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2025
  • At the Illinois Holocaust Museum, soon to undergo a major renovation, a heart-tugging special exhibit in Skokie explores the internment of Japanese Americans in U.S. prison camps during World War II. Front and center as visitors enter the exhibit?
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The White House also did not respond to ABC News' inquiry about Bondi's pending report.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The timely project quickly drew five offers, including inquiries from Hulu, Netflix and Amazon.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Another study led by economist Elisa Jácome of Northwestern University examined U.S. Census incarceration data between 1850 and 2020.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
  • This research examined how individuals with disabilities get into and get out of two current U.S. spacecraft designed to carry crew.
    Jesse Rhoades, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 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
  • 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
  • Jesse once again raises the bar with a bold examination of modern greed, power and male ambition.
    Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • In its press release, CMS cited the Mayo Clinic study that says puberty blockers are reversible, pointing to how the study also says potential long-term effects are limited growth spurts, bone growth, bone density and fertility.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Probe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probe. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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