PROBABLY Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

probably

adverb

ˈprä-bə-blē

Definition of probably

as in likely

by reasonable assumption we would probably win that bet

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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 probably Peeking at this history through a keyhole is a splendid idea, though Collin’s choice of the Ritz was probably irresistible, even overdetermined. — David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 But anyone who was surprised by the lack of people at the Coliseum probably hasn’t lived in Los Angeles. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 When installed correctly, porcelain tile is probably the most waterproof bathroom flooring material out there. — Jason Rueger, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 The states lead with statistics instead of a story about real harm, probably because the harm story is weaker than the math. — Shubha Ghosh, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for probably

Recent Examples of Synonyms for probably

Adverb

In light of the strong growth and inflation figures, the BOK would likely need to continue to raise rates, albeit with some caution, said Frederic Neumann, chief Asia economist at HSBC.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
The film will likely depict the Ploughman’s rise from obscurity to notorious outlaw, though most retellings of his story have been set centuries before the Peasants’ Revolt.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of likely

Adverb

People leave behind scent that can last 10 to 15 days, perhaps longer than that.

— Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
If Pangram’s tools are accurate, 260 out of 310 people who published guest articles in the NYT, WSJ, and Washington Post did it entirely with their own brains (or perhaps the brains of an underling).

— Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of perhaps

Adverb

That translates into a maybe — maybe a win, maybe a loss and maybe a national impact.

— Dan Walters, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
For at least the rest of the year, and maybe longer, this means the launch rate at the Florida spaceport will drop from eight or nine per month to perhaps two per month.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of maybe

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probable

probably

probation

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“Probably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/probably. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of probably

adverb

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