probable
Americanadjective
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likely to occur or prove true.
He foresaw a probable business loss. He is the probable writer of the article.
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having more evidence for than against, or evidence that inclines the mind to belief but leaves some room for doubt.
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affording ground for belief.
adjective
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likely to be or to happen but not necessarily so
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most likely
the probable cause of the accident
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of probable
1350–1400; Middle English < Latin probābilis likely, literally, capable of standing a test, equivalent to probā ( re ) to test ( see probe) + -bilis -ble
Compare meaning
How does probable compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
If it's probable, then odds are it's going to come true. If rain is probable this weekend, you shouldn't plan a picnic. Things that are probable are probably going to happen; they're likely. Meteorologists are always trying to figure out what weather is probable, though they're often wrong. Sportscasters and gamblers try to guess the probable outcome of big games. You can also call a candidate for a job or political office who's likely to get the position a probable — they've probably got the job in the bag.
Vocabulary lists containing probable
Week 5: Scientific Viewpoints
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Week 4 Spelling
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Copernicus: The Revolutions of the Heavenly Bodies
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Night-time work is a probable cause of cancer globally, according to the UN's cancer research body, external.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
"We believe we will more than accomplish the evidentiary burden of probable cause at this point to hold David to answer on these three felony charges," Hochman told the press.
From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026
The BlueNord assets contribute around 45,000 barrels of oil-equivalent a day of net production and around 195 million barrels of proved and probable reserves plus potentially recoverable resources, extending production beyond 2040.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026
Musk later added: “To be confident of a good flight, 2 Raptors will be removed & replaced. Most probable launch timing is early next week.”
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 17, 2026
I learned long ago that loss is not only probable but inevitable.
From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
