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

as in investigation

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

While Hutson is not accused of helping the inmates pull off the escape, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said a state probe found that Hutson’s poor management led to the jailbreak. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 Instead of a handheld probe, the technician uses the Invenia ABUS (Automated Breast Ultrasound) machine, which is manufactured by GE and received FDA approval this year, to automatically capture hundreds of images of the entire breast. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 15 Oct. 2026

Verb

Federal investigators also probed a series of suspicious letters ahead of the 2024 elections. — Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 The texts were found as a result of a State Bureau of Investigation probe into a CMPD officer who abused Flock license plate reader technology. — Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for probe

Recent Examples of Synonyms for probe

Noun

The State Law Enforcement Division didn't say if their investigation into any of the men is continuing.

— MEG KINNARD, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
In January, the FBI raided a Post reporter’s home, as part of an investigation into a government contractor accused of mishandling sensitive national security information.

— Chad de Guzman, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of investigation

Verb

That openness is the best thing about Cooked, a record that summons electric Miles and Popol Vuh and the Necks but mostly explores endless emotional ambiguity, offering a reminder that very few sensations are ever pure.

— Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
The move gives Victoria House access to Gersh’s international talent network and opportunities to explore new financing and co-production partnerships, while preserving the Spanish company’s creative independence.

— Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of explore

Noun

Waddhwa moved to strike a film development deal around the incident after getting unsolicited inquiries from Indian media firms.

— Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Many of Netanyahu’s electoral rivals, including Eisenkot, have promised to immediately establish an independent commission of inquiry if elected.

— Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of inquiry

Verb

The scope of the investigation into Omar is unclear, though Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has suggested that authorities were examining potential crimes related to her family's immigration paperwork.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Proper due diligence means examining construction costs, operating expenses, funding gaps, financial sustainability and realistic projections.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of examine

Verb

The new version, which relies on Google’s Gemini AI technology, is designed to understand what is on a user’s screen and act on it, help with writing, and search a user’s phone for context, among other features.

— Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
This is one shape of [a] research project of systematizing and scaling up searching for useful new tools in large databases and DNA sequences.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of search

Noun

If Fielder is again playing a version of himself here, Holmes seems to be offering near infinite versions of herself up for examination, like a set of unblinking reflections in a hall of funhouse mirrors.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
The search and forensic examination of the property remain ongoing.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of examination

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probatory

probe

probed

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“Probe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probe. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of probe

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verb

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