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View synonyms for

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

/ ˈɒəə /

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

  • ԴDz·Dza· adjective
  • ԴDz·Dza· adverb
  • ܲȴ-Dza· adjective
  • ܲȴ-Dza· adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of probable1

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

Origin of probable1

C14: via Old French from Latin Dz that may be proved, from Dzre 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 have not been reviewed.

Boasberg said last week that he found probable cause for putting administration officials in criminal contempt for not turning the planes around.

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In his ruling, Boasberg found "probable cause" to begin proceedings on criminal contempt charges.

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An investigation is under way and a probable cause of the crash will be determined in the NTSB's final report in 12 to 24 months' time.

From

I find myself in agreement with Brian Beutler, who observed that none of these facts and figures are the probable genesis of Trump's obsession with this era.

From

The United States Geological Survey has issued a "red alert", warning that "high casualties and extensive damage are probable".

From

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probability waveprobable cause