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View synonyms for probable

probable

[prob-uh-buhl]

adjective

  1. likely to occur or prove true.

    He foresaw a probable business loss. He is the probable writer of the article.

  2. having more evidence for than against, or evidence that inclines the mind to belief but leaves some room for doubt.

  3. affording ground for belief.



probable

/ ˈprɒbəbəl /

adjective

  1. likely to be or to happen but not necessarily so

  2. most likely

    the probable cause of the accident

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a person who is probably to be chosen for a team, event, etc

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • nonprobable adjective
  • nonprobably adverb
  • quasi-probable adjective
  • quasi-probably adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of probable1

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin probābilis likely, literally, capable of standing a test, equivalent to probā ( re ) to test ( probe ) + -bilis -ble
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Word History and Origins

Origin of probable1

C14: via Old French from Latin probābilis that may be proved, from probāre to prove
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Compare Meanings

How does probable compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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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.

After a preliminary probable cause affidavit was filed by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department on Saturday, Sanchez was charged with three misdemeanors — battery resulting in injury, unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication.

There is palpably high morale, driven by a deep sense of patriotism, and probable relief at getting out of their prison cells.

From BBC

To secure an indictment, 12 members of a grand jury only need to vote for probable cause — not proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

From BBC

The report included decision-making and judgment, the monitoring of the other aircraft, and altitude among its findings for the crash’s probable cause.

“Reasonable suspicion is a low bar—well below probable cause,” Solicitor Gen. D. John Sauer wrote in his appeal.

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probability waveprobable cause