Probable — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈprä-bə-bəl/ prob·a·ble

Meaning & Definition of Probable

Probable (adjective)

  1. supported by evidence strong enough to establish presumption but not proof
  2. establishing a probability
  3. likely to be or become true or real

Probable (noun)

  1. one that is probable

Probable (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. worthy of being accepted as true or reasonable

    "the counselor could find no probable reason for the girl's bizarre actions"

    similar: believable, credible, creditable, likely, plausible, presumptive
    related: cogent, compelling, conclusive, convincing, decisive, effective, forceful, persuasive, satisfying, strong, telling, acceptable, cogitable, conceivable, imaginable, possible, practical, reasonable, dependable, reliable, trustworthy, sophistic, specious
    opposite: far-fetched, implausible, improbable, incredible, unbelievable, unlikely, unplausible
    near: absurd, doubtful, dubious, fantastic, flimsy, outlandish, preposterous, questionable, ridiculous, impossible, inconceivable, unimaginable, unthinkable, skeptical, suspect, suspicious, uncertain, unsure, hopeless, unworkable, useless

  2. having a high chance of occurring

    "a probable outcome of the price increase will be lower consumption"

    similar: likely
    related: conceivable, earthly, imaginable, possible, potential, supposable, apt, bound, certain, doubtless, imminent, inescapable, inevitable, liable, necessary, sure, unavoidable
    opposite: doubtful, dubious, improbable, questionable, unlikely
    near: impossible, inconceivable, unimaginable

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Probable

The most common words with a similar meaning to Probable:

believable, credible, creditable, likely, plausible, presumptive

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Probable

Words with the opposite meaning of Probable:

far-fetched, implausible, improbable, incredible, unbelievable, unlikely, unplausible, doubtful, dubious, questionable

Related Words for Probable

cogent, compelling, conclusive, convincing, decisive, effective, forceful, persuasive, satisfying, strong, telling, acceptable, cogitable, conceivable, imaginable, possible, practical, reasonable, dependable, reliable, trustworthy, sophistic, specious, earthly, potential, supposable, apt, bound, certain, doubtless

Near Antonyms of Probable

absurd, fantastic, flimsy, outlandish, preposterous, ridiculous, impossible, inconceivable, unimaginable, unthinkable, skeptical, suspect, suspicious, uncertain, unsure, hopeless, unworkable, useless

Origin & Etymology of Probable

Middle English, from Latin probabilis commendable, probable, from probare to test, approve, prove prove

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Probable

Words & Phrases Containing Probable

probable cause

Frequently Asked Questions about Probable

What does "Probable" mean?

"Probable" means supported by evidence strong enough to establish presumption but not proof. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: supported by evidence strong enough to establish presumption but not proof. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Probable"?

Other words for "Probable" include believable, credible, creditable, likely, plausible and presumptive. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Probable" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Probable"?

There are 43 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Probable". Common alternatives include believable, credible, creditable, likely, plausible and presumptive.

What is the opposite of "Probable"?

Antonyms of "Probable" include far-fetched, implausible, improbable, incredible, unbelievable, unlikely, unplausible and doubtful. Near antonyms include absurd, fantastic, flimsy and outlandish.

How do you use "Probable" in a sentence?

Examples of "Probable" in a sentence: "the counselor could find no probable reason for the girl's bizarre actions"; "a probable outcome of the price increase will be lower consumption".

Is "Probable" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Probable" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Probable" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Probable" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Probable"?

"Probable" is pronounced /ˈprä-bə-bəl/ and divided into syllables as prob·a·ble.