Thesaurus results for PROBE

Q: How does the verb 'probe' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of probe are enter , penetrate , and pierce . While all these words mean "to make way into something," probe implies penetration to investigate or explore something hidden from sight or knowledge. // probed the depths of the sea

Q: When is it sensible to use 'enter' instead of 'probe'?

In some situations, the words enter and probe are roughly equivalent. However, enter is the most general of these and may imply either going in or forcing a way in. // entered the city in triumph

Q: When is 'penetrate' a more appropriate choice than 'probe'?

The meanings of penetrate and probe largely overlap; however, penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance. // the enemy penetrated the fortress

Q: When might 'pierce' be a better fit than 'probe'?

While in some cases nearly identical to probe , pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument. // pierced the boil with a lancet

probe 1 of 2

noun

ˈprōb

Definition of probe

as in investigation

a systematic search for the truth or facts about something a congressional probe into the accusations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

probe

2 of 2

verb

as in to investigate

to search through or into tabloid reporters who seem determined to probe every detail of the singer's private life

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to explore

to go into or range over for purposes of discovery probing the depths of the undersea trench

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb probe differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of probe are enter, penetrate, and pierce. While all these words mean "to make way into something," probe implies penetration to investigate or explore something hidden from sight or knowledge.

probed the depths of the sea

When is it sensible to use enter instead of probe?

In some situations, the words enter and probe are roughly equivalent. However, enter is the most general of these and may imply either going in or forcing a way in.

entered the city in triumph

When is penetrate a more appropriate choice than probe?

The meanings of penetrate and probe largely overlap; however, penetrate carries a strong implication of an impelling force or compelling power that achieves entrance.

the enemy penetrated the fortress

When might pierce be a better fit than probe?

While in some cases nearly identical to probe, pierce means an entering or cutting through with a sharp pointed instrument.

pierced the boil with a lancet

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of probe

Noun

Antinori doesn’t know how the alarms were disabled, Vivoli said, and a police probe is ongoing. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026 After her death, counterterrorism police reopened a probe into an alleged firebomb and break-in attempt at Farage’s south London home in April 2025. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

Verb

Semafor reported this week that the Federal Reserve has been probing how banks that lend to private-credit firms vet the loans that serve as their collateral, an admission that has spooked investors on Wall Street and around the world. — Ellen Dimauro, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026 Nuclear clocks could probe physics The smaller scale of the nucleus could reduce interference from external electric and magnetic fields. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for probe

Recent Examples of Synonyms for probe

Noun

The reports come after misconduct findings against some interfraternity chapters in the spring and multiple criminal investigations, according to the letter.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026
As the investigation uncovers a string of killings linked to a strange ritual, the two are pushed into working together, facing down otherworldly threats as well as unfinished business from Lan’s past.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of investigation

Verb

The United States Postal Inspection Service in investigating the break-in.

— Haley Parsley, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2026
Rather than relying solely on better control software, the team is investigating whether designing the robot’s mass, inertia, and force characteristics differently can make complex movements easier to achieve.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of investigate

Verb

Set in a small fictional town called Awatahi, the show explores the murder of 17-year-old Jodie Hunter.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Unlike many spas that focus on the healing effects of treatments, Kamalaya goes much deeper, encouraging guests to explore more emotional issues in a safe space.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of explore

Noun

The official inquiry held gunman Mun Se-gwang solely responsible.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is seeking to stay in power, has been criticized over the lack of an official inquiry into the attacks, as well as reports that he was warned about them in advance.

— Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of inquiry

Verb

But seeing my parents examining themselves in that way and connecting with people and putting themselves in vulnerable and silly and meaningful situations.

— Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026
And now Snider found himself here, under a bright, blue sky, annoyed as a fireman examined the staples on the side of his head.

— Geoff Edgers, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of examine

Verb

In October 2026, the disgraced ex-prince filed a lawsuit against the Thames Valley Police, who arrested him and searched his homes on his birthday.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 6 Oct. 2026
Think of these tools as a fast way to start searching rather than a guarantee that the first answer is correct.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of search

Noun

The complex will include additional examination rooms; outpatient physical, speech and occupational therapy; rehabilitation; and neuroinfusion services.

— Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
In addition to medical examinations and diagnostic tests, all guests receive classic massages, lymphatic drainage, abdominal massages, and hayflower detox wraps.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of examination

Browse Nearby Words

probatory

probe

probed

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“Probe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probe. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of probe

noun

verb

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