Thesaurus results for PROBING

probing 1 of 2

noun

as in investigation

a systematic search for the truth or facts about something questionings and probings by several committees into the affair

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probing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of probe

as in exploring

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

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as in searching

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

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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 probing

Noun

There was Wall Street Journal reporter Josh Dawsey, accepting an award for his relentless probing of the White House. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 25 July 2026 But neither of them seemed eager to undergo much emotional probing. — Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026 Mission two was to do a lot of listening, a lot of probing, a lot of asking questions, skip levels to really understand the opportunity for the go forward, but also embrace what makes TIAA incredibly special. — Fortune Editors, Fortune, 22 June 2026 Davis’ ability to reflect and respond with his pithy probing of the disagreeing chord turned chaos into something cogent. — Steven D. Reske, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026 It’s composed of 22 bilaterally symmetric appendages that ring the nostrils and move independently, sweeping the substrate in continuous probing arcs. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 Here’s a probing, exclusive, in-depth conversation Benn had with The Athletic following Monday’s practice. — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026 The hosts also talk about Prasad’s second exit from the FDA and a congressman’s probing of the agency’s rare disease drug denials. — Adam Feuerstein, STAT, 12 Mar. 2026 To this end, the event was likely either a misunderstanding or a deliberate probing of China’s aerial defense response. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026

Verb

The measurements came from the STAR (Solenoidal Tracker) detector at Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), the same facility that recently completed its final collisions after 25 years of probing quarks and gluons. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026 Arday’s death, on Friday aged 41, followed mounting pressure from the UK and international media probing every aspect of his life. — Rupert Neate, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026 Even still, the filmmaker is excited to let Edinburgh audiences begin probing this surprisingly affecting piece on loss and extraterrestrial life. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026 The New York City Council is probing the advertising practices of four major prediction market platforms, creating a new front in the legal battles facing the booming industry. — Bloomberg, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026 Whether federal prosecutors and investigators are also probing the development of the soccer complex is unknown. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2026 Tufts grilled about her experience during trial testimony Tufts' career experience came under question during her testimony, with Reddington probing the doctor about her background in perinatal and postpartum care. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 Researchers said the model found a way around sandbox restrictions, another example of highly capable systems probing barriers that were intended to contain them. — Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 But the Russian president is already probing the alliance’s defenses and resolve. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 7 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for probing

Noun

This year, the agency has already posted 20 investigations and says work remains active for 18 foodborne illness clusters.

— Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
The Army notified his former patients there about the investigation and how to report any complaints, NBC News reported.

— Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of investigation

Verb

Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa, located along the Truckee River, offers an ideal base for exploring both the city and surrounding mountains.

— Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Hudson, a former tackle, seems to have stuck on the interior, where the Patriots are still exploring ways to add depth.

— Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of exploring

Verb

Some are moving to 2027, others are still searching for a distributor and a few need more time in the edit bay.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026
Writing my memoir, Don’t Be Evil, sent me searching for a broader explanation of how Silicon Valley became so powerful, so deeply distrusted, and still so difficult to meaningfully challenge.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of searching

Noun

He was charged in December after the Army Criminal Investigation Division opened an inquiry in October following a complaint from a patient at Fort Hood.

— Mosheh Gains, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026
Minnesota authorities began criminal inquiries after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, having to fight the federal government to secure the relevant evidence.

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of inquiry

Verb

However, Japanese media reports that the Japan Football Association (JFA) is investigating allegations that four Japanese referees were involved.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
The accountability group is charged with investigating complaints against officers and reports to the San Francisco Police Commission.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of investigating

Noun

Noor Kestou, 33, of Commerce, appeared for a preliminary examination on Thursday on an involuntary manslaughter charge, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.

— DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
And Becca is so sassy too when Mel wants to try to do the examination.

— Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of examination

Verb

The next phase will include examining more types and grades of iron ore, since the Iron Range contains a wide variety of resources.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
European governments are now examining a range of measures to mitigate the impact of heatwaves and low river levels on nuclear power plants.

— , CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of examining

Noun

Even without the question of more victims, the Manson case presented a new exploration of true crime, and the way the public processes it.

— Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2026
Crescent Energy Crescent Energy (CRGY) is an exploration and production company with activities focused in the Eagle Ford, Permian and Uinta Basins.

— , CNBC, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of exploration

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Style

“Probing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probing. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of probing

noun

verb

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