probable

adjective

ˈprä-bə-bəl How to pronounce probable (audio)
Definition of probablenext
1
as in plausible
worthy of being accepted as true or reasonable the counselor could find no probable reason for the girl's bizarre actions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in possible
having a high chance of occurring a probable outcome of the price increase will be lower consumption

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 probable In IconArrows pointing outwards Morgan Stanley Far more important to me will be how stocks respond to another quarter of probable blowout earnings growth from the AI complex. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026 He was expected to be cleared this week, but still has not been deemed probable. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 What appeared to be a fairly normal election for a president halfway through his term — a probable setback, as unhappy voters register their discontent — has the potential, Cook said, to turn into a disaster for Republicans. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin has been upgraded to probable after initially being listed as questionable. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for probable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for probable
  1. plausible
  2. possible
  3. credible
  4. likely
  5. inevitable
  6. potential
Adjective
  • Yet that experience has helped drive the administration’s current efforts to achieve more plausible and narrowly defined goals.
    — Eric Ciaramella, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Given the sheer size of the federal government, that is more than plausible.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of plausible
Adjective
  • The students who stepped forward when their teacher collapsed playing basketball in Michigan illustrate what becomes possible when CPR skills are taught before they are needed.
    — Meng Yang, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The film team had to come up with a strategy to capture as much as possible without interfering with Schnell’s challenge.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • In response, the ambassadors of France and Spain made public statements emphasizing the importance of a credible electoral process and the need for Haiti’s next president to have integrity.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
  • This narrower range of options could make its nuclear threats less credible in a conflict over an ally’s security.
    — Ivo H. Daalder, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of credible
Adjective
  • The Fresno County district attorney’s office announced Tuesday that David Gonzalez III was being charged with assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury, elder abuse, vandalism and battery.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Rising global demand to extract battery metals like cobalt, nickel, and manganese makes mining increasingly likely.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of likely
Adjective
  • Royal was committed to Texas for nearly a year, but everyone with any inside knowledge believed a flip to the instate Tigers was inevitable.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The issue of Japan's aging society and its shrinking workforce are an inescapable part of life in Japan, and foreign workers are an inevitable part of the solution.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of inevitable
Adjective
  • Good news for Boeing, but could this accidental monopoly be a potential disaster waiting to happen?
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Oct. 2026
  • That means most people are exposed to AI’s downsides — rising electricity costs, potential job disruption — without any claim on its upside.
    — Sarah Cannon, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of potential

Browse Nearby Words

probability
probable
probably
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Cite this Entry

“Probable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probable. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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