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.
The commission determined in January that there was probable cause to move forward with its investigation, which is ongoing. — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026 The commission’s investigatory unit will first probe the situation, according to the commission’s website, and then present its findings to its probable cause committee. — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026 The judge nevertheless found enough probable cause to move the case forward. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026 Police found probable cause to charge Garrity with third-degree felony stalking. — Raul Trey Lopez, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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Legal Definition

probable cause

see also:
cause sense 2
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