English · Word Candidate

probable

/ˈpɹɒbəbl̩/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: probables

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Likely or most likely to be true.

Adjective

Examples

It's probable that it will rain tomorrow.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Likely to happen.

Adjective

Examples

With all the support we have, success is looking probable.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Something that is likely.

Noun

Examples

Four of the 32 251 Ku aircraft turned back, but the other 28 fought for 20 minutes against a reported 100 enemy aircraft, claiming 18 destroyed and five probables.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

A person who is likely to appear or do a certain thing.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “probable” mean?

Likely or most likely to be true.

Is “probable” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.