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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 Words From

  • non·proba·ble adjective
  • non·proba·bly adverb
  • quasi-proba·ble adjective
  • quasi-proba·bly 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

Ultimately, the three factors discussed here suggest that fears of widespread violence by vigilantes and activists during and after Election Day should be treated as fears, not as a probable outcome.

The charges were filed Thursday in the 36th District Court in Detroit, where a judge found probable cause to support them, according to the Associated Press.

The more probable outcome is that business will have to adapt to a disorienting new rule book in Washington and in government at all levels nationwide.

From Fortune

Life events and random circumstances tug kids in different directions, making various outcomes more or less probable but never dictating outcomes, the authors emphasize.

This information allows consumers to contact manufacturers directly to inquire about the source of product ingredients and notify the company of any known or probable reactions to the ingredients.

He was not selling “loosies” that day, no cigarettes were found on his person, and thus there was no probable cause in play.

The goal should be to determine probable cause for change in how we police ourselves everywhere.

More probable are smaller attacks like the Boston marathon bombing.

But “reasonable suspicion” is not the same thing as probable cause.

But interest does not translate into probable cause without evidence.

It is probable that Mlle. Mayer came under the influence of Prud'hon as early as 1802, possibly before that time.

Men's probable actions are calculated by the law of reason; but their performance is usually the result of caprice.

It is probable he wished to provide written proof of a plea that he was an unwilling agent in the clutch of a mutinous army.

It is therefore probable that some of Trevithick's engines reached Jamaica.

This is very probable, and may account also for the elevated model which was adopted both by Andrew and some others of the Amati.

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