probable cause

noun

: a reasonable ground for supposing that a charge is well-founded

Examples of probable cause in a Sentence

The lawyer argued that there was a lack of probable cause for a search warrant. The police had probable cause to arrest him.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Nowels said first-degree arson was the charge supported by probable cause at that stage of the investigation and cautioned that the case could change as authorities gathered additional evidence. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Smith met the victim at Little Platte Swim Beach, the probable cause statement said, where three men allegedly approached the pair. — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026 But preliminary test results from that handgun appear to exclude it as the gun responsible for the deaths, police said in the court document, a probable cause statement filed Wednesday. — Joe Kottke, NBC news, 31 July 2026 The filing alleges that Palazuelos was arrested at gunpoint and held without probable cause for approximately seven to eight hours. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for probable cause

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of probable cause was circa 1676

Rhymes for probable cause

See All Rhymes for probable cause

Browse Nearby Words

probable
probable cause
probable error
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Probable cause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probable%20cause. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Legal Definition

probable cause

see also:
cause sense 2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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