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
Twelve Angry Men
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Week 5: Scientific Viewpoints
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Week 4 Spelling
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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.
In order for charges to be filed, prosecutors would have to convince a grand jury, made up of members of the public, that probable cause exists to believe a crime has been committed.
From BBC • May 16, 2026
The merged company, which would continue under the Equinox Gold name, is expected to produce about 1.1 million ounces of gold annually and hold roughly 23 million ounces of proven and probable reserves.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026
Among living patients, all of whom are passengers or crew of the ship, seven cases have been confirmed and an eighth is listed as "probable", according to an AFP tally of official figures.
From Barron's • May 12, 2026
The alleged misconduct in that case came to light in late 2022 after a motorist said police had pulled him over and searched his vehicle without consent or probable cause.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
The prosecutor is also free to file more charges against a defendant than can realistically be proven in court, so long as probable cause arguably exists—a practice known as overcharging.
From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander
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.
