as in investigation
a systematic search for the truth or facts about something
a congressional probe into the accusations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
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
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
Angelica Ang, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026
The probe was delayed from 2022, and headed for the asteroid Psyche, using a Mars-gravity assist and not arriving until August 2029.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2026
Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
After some probing come local favorites, and in the final stage, local secrets.
—Arundhati Hazra, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for probe
Noun
Investor confidence has withered in the wake of a corruption scandal, as probes discovered that $2 billion in government funding for flood management projects had disappeared.
—Verb
As headlights probed the morning fog on Matthews-Mint Hill Road Wednesday, an unusual scene appeared in front of them.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for probe
Noun
-
The presence of state investigators on scene at the latest shooting by a federal immigration officer was notable, given federal authorities had previously blocked the BCA from participating in the investigation of the shooting of Good.—
-
An investigation into the source of salmonella contamination is ongoing, officials said.—
Verb
-
Minnesota officials have claimed federal authorities blocked state investigators from accessing evidence in the case and asserted that the state lacks jurisdiction to independently investigate the killing, according to the AP.—
-
Thai authorities are now investigating the incident, which follows a series of other fatal accidents which have been blamed on safty lapses, the BBC reported.—
Verb
-
Next, the team plans to explore more complex designs.—
-
This guide explores various methods to eliminate soap scum and offers preventive measures to stop its return.—
Noun
-
The lawmakers have pushed back against the administration and argued the Justice Department's inquiries are politically motivated.—
-
Huawei, in response to CNBC inquiries, declined to comment on its intention to list or stay private.—
Verb
-
The last time those key engine mount parts were examined closely was in October 2021, and the plane wasn't due for another detailed inspection for roughly 7,000 more takeoffs and landings.—
-
Operating at the Lower Manhattan docks, Melville’s task was to examine ship manifests against unloaded cargo.—
Verb
-
Irvine police are searching for a woman who left a Bible on an Irvine resident's doorstep after stealing a person's package last month.—
-
Hannah Natanson, who covers the federal government, was at home when the FBI searched the property and her devices, seizing a phone, Garmin watch and both a personal and work laptop, according to the news organization.—
Noun
-
The Algerian is equally capable of tucking into midfield, running the flanks, playing probing passes from a wide-centre-back role or making darting movements towards goal.—
Noun
-
The examination of the past all feels pretty surface-level.—
-
After an examination of her records, the election board said 188 of Walker Thomas’ petition signatures were invalid, which brought her total number of valid signatures to 445, below the minimum 500 signatures required to run.—
Cite this Entry
“Probe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probe. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
