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.
But the circles must be smaller, pushing back on criticism that geofence warrants are too often made in bad faith and in search of probable cause. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 30 June 2026 As part of that inquiry, police seized his cellphone, but there was insufficient probable cause to examine it. — Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 Defense attorney Harvey Steinberg asked the judge not to find probable cause. — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 29 June 2026 Video of the fight shows Peña arriving at Faz’s home in a black pickup truck, according to a probable cause affidavit. — Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 30 June 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
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Cite this Entry

“Probable cause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probable%20cause. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

probable cause

see also:
cause sense 2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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