probation

1 of 2

noun

pro·​ba·​tion prō-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce probation (audio)
Synonyms of probation
1
: critical examination and evaluation or subjection to such examination and evaluation
2
a
: subjection of an individual to a period of testing and trial to ascertain fitness (as for a job or school)
b
: the action of suspending the sentence of a convicted offender and giving the offender freedom during good behavior under the supervision of a probation officer
c
: the state or a period of being subject to probation
probational
prō-ˈbā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce probation (audio)
adjective
probationally adverb
probationary
prō-ˈbā-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce probation (audio)
adjective

probational

2 of 2

adjective

pro·​ba·​tion·​al -shənᵊl How to pronounce probational (audio)
-shnəl
: probationary
probationally
-ᵊl|ē, 
-əl|, 
|i
adverb

Synonyms of probation

Relevance

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of probation in a Sentence

Noun As a new employee, I will be on probation for three months. He hoped that the judge would grant him probation. He was sentenced to one year's probation. He was sent back to prison for violating his probation. She was arrested while on probation. Instead of firing her, they put her on probation. The student was placed on probation for copying test answers.
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.
Noun
He was sentenced to probation, ordered to complete a drinking-driver program and pay fines and restitution. — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 6 July 2026 He was put on probation after pleading guilty to misdemeanor battery, but is allowed to travel outside Indiana. — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026 The red card also carried with it a ban from the team’s next game — in this case, the Belgium match — but FIFA suspended that penalty and imposed a one-year probation instead. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 The final 12 months of the ban have been suspended for a probationary period of three years, meaning the active suspension is one year provided no further breaches occur during probation. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for probation

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English probacioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French probation, from Latin probation-, probatio, from probare

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of probation was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing probation

Rhymes for probation

See All Rhymes for probation

Browse Nearby Words

probate homestead
probation
probational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Probation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

probation

noun
pro·​ba·​tion prō-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce probation (audio)
1
: a period of trial for finding out or testing a person's fitness (as for a job or school)
2
: the suspending of a convicted offender's sentence during good behavior under the supervision of a probation officer
probational
-shnəl How to pronounce probation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective
probationary
-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce probation (audio)
adjective

Legal Definition

probation

noun
pro·​ba·​tion prō-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce probation (audio)
1
a
: subjection to a period of evaluation and possible termination at the commencement of employment in a position for which one's fitness is to be determined
b
: subjection to a period of review in the course of employment or education as a result of a violation of standards and with the possibility of dismissal if standards are not met
2
a
: the suspension of all or part of a sentence and its replacement by freedom subject to specific conditions and the supervision of a probation officer
it is the intent of the legislature that the granting of probation shall be a matter of grace conferring no vested right to its continuance—Michigan Statutes Annotated

called also community supervision

compare diversion, parole
b
: probation as a sentence in itself
c
: the period or state of being subject to probation
arrested while on probation
probational
-shə-nəl How to pronounce probation (audio)
adjective
probationally adverb
probationary
-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce probation (audio)
adjective
Etymology

Noun

Middle French, critical examination and evaluation, from Latin probation-, probatio, from probare to test, approve, prove

More from Merriam-Webster on probation

Nglish: Translation of probation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about probation

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