Probe — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈprōb/

Meaning & Definition of Probe

Probe (noun)

  1. a slender medical instrument used especially for exploration (as of a wound or body cavity)
  2. any of various testing devices or substances
  3. a pointed metal tip for making electrical contact with a circuit element being checked

Probe (verb)

  1. to search into and explore very thoroughly, subject to a penetrating investigation
  2. to examine with a probe
  3. to make a searching exploratory investigation

Probe (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a systematic search for the truth or facts about something

    "a congressional probe into the accusations"

    similar: delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquiry, inquisition, investigation, probation, probing, research, study
    related: quest, audit, check, checkup, diagnosis, inspection, hearing, interrogation, trial, feeler, query, question, poll, questionary, questionnaire, survey, challenge, cross-examination, going-over, grilling, quiz, rehearing, reinvestigation, self-examination, self-exploration, self-questioning, self-reflection, self-scrutiny, soul-searching

Probe (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to search through or into

    "tabloid reporters who seem determined to probe every detail of the singer's private life"

    similar: delve (into), dig (into), examine, explore, inquire (into), investigate, look (into), research, check into, check up on
    related: inspect, sift, study, view, browse, cruise, peruse, scan, skim (through), surf, thumb (through), reinvestigate

  2. to go into or range over for purposes of discovery

    "probing the depths of the undersea trench"

    similar: explore, hunt, prospect, search, skirr
    related: reconnoiter, scout, disclose, discover, reveal, unearth, fathom, plumb, sound

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Probe

The most common words with a similar meaning to Probe:

delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquiry, inquisition, investigation, probation, probing, research, study, delve (into), dig (into), examine, explore, inquire (into), investigate, look (into), hunt, prospect, search, skirr, check into, check up on

Related Words for Probe

quest, audit, check, checkup, diagnosis, inspection, hearing, interrogation, trial, feeler, query, question, poll, questionary, questionnaire, survey, challenge, cross-examination, going-over, grilling, quiz, rehearing, reinvestigation, self-examination, self-exploration, self-questioning, self-reflection, self-scrutiny, soul-searching, inspect

Word Forms of Probe

Inflections: probes, probed, probing

Derived words: prober (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Probe

Medieval Latin proba examination, from Latin probare

First known use: 1580

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Probe

Words & Phrases Containing Probe

electron probe, space probe

Frequently Asked Questions about Probe

What does "Probe" mean?

"Probe" means a slender medical instrument used especially for exploration (as of a wound or body cavity). As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a slender medical instrument used especially for exploration (as of a wound or body cavity). It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Probe"?

Other words for "Probe" include delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquiry and inquisition. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Probe" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Probe"?

There are 75 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Probe". Common alternatives include delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquiry, inquisition, investigation and probation.

How do you use "Probe" in a sentence?

Examples of "Probe" in a sentence: "a congressional probe into the accusations"; "tabloid reporters who seem determined to probe every detail of the singer's private life"; "probing the depths of the undersea trench".

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

"Probe" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

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

As a C1-level word, "Probe" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Probe"?

"Probe" is pronounced /ˈprōb/.

What is the origin of the word "Probe"?

"Probe" comes from Medieval Latin proba examination, from Latin probare. First known use: 1580.