probable
1 antonyms and opposites of probable, grouped by meaning.
Adj — Likely to be true or to happen, based on the evidence available.
Antonyms
How to use probable
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin probabilis, "provable" or "credible," from probare, "to test or prove" — the same root behind "probe" and "prove."
Full origin of probable →Frequently asked questions
What does “probable” mean?
The word “probable” means likely to be true or to happen, based on the evidence available. In plain terms, more likely than not, based on the evidence.
How do you pronounce “probable”?
“Probable” is pronounced PRO-buhbl (/ˈpɹɑbəbl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “probable” in a sentence?
Here is “probable” used in a sentence: “It's probable that the flight will be delayed given the storm.”
What is the opposite of “probable”?
The opposite of “probable” — its antonyms — is improbable.
What part of speech is “probable”?
“Probable” is an adjective.
Where does the word “probable” come from?
The word “probable” comes from Latin. From Latin probabilis, "provable" or "credible," from probare, "to test or prove" — the same root behind "probe" and "prove.".
Is “probable” a common word?
“Probable” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between probable and possible?
Possible means something could happen, with no judgment about how likely it is, while probable means the evidence suggests it is more likely than not to happen or be true. Something can be possible without being probable, but anything probable is automatically possible.
What is the difference between probable and likely?
Probable and likely are close synonyms and are often interchangeable, both describing something supported by the available evidence. Likely is more common in everyday speech, while probable tends to appear in slightly more formal or analytical writing, such as forecasts or legal reasoning.
Is probable stronger than certain?
No, probable is weaker than certain. Certain implies no doubt at all, whereas probable only means the evidence points toward something being true, leaving room for it to turn out otherwise.