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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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 Clean-slate intellectual infrastructure Whoever gives $2 billion to an organization can probably call a lot of the shots. — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026 Using a regular bath mat in addition to the decorative one will probably be necessary. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026 Northwestern wasn’t ranked, and most fans and coaches probably didn’t pay attention to them this season. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026 Maryland would probably send eight Democrats to the House and no Republicans. — Colin Pascal, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for probably

Recent Examples of Synonyms for probably

Adverb

However, the meeting summary did not show when the hike would occur – only that a stable labor market and persistently higher prices would likely lead to a second hike this year.

— Justina Lee, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Further complicating matters, the apparent arrow held by the figure on the left was likely altered during a 19th-century restoration of the tapestry.

— Alicja Zelazko, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of likely

Adverb

Colors are neutral and echo the surroundings rather than competing with them—stone-gray throw blankets and pillows, beige arm chairs, white walls–and artwork is at a minimum, maybe a tasteful landscape photograph in a simple black frame.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
So other than a couple album covers maybe where one guy had a lot going on, for the most part that stayed true all the way back to those first conversations.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of probably

adverb

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