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.
Porter fled after the stabbing, but officers said in the probable cause statement that he was later located. Mike Stunson july 10, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025 The judge then found there was probable cause to move the case forward. Daniel Bice, jsonline.com, 8 July 2025 On July 2, a woman called 911 to report that her boyfriend, 36-year-old Timothy James Wood, had been holding her captive, according to a probable cause statement by the Superior Court of Maricopa County. Paloma Chavez july 8, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2025 According to a probable cause affidavit, the Palm Beach Police Department said that officers responded to the president's Florida residence after receiving reports that the United States Secret Service was investigating a suspicious person. Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 8 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Probable cause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probable%20cause. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

probable cause

see cause sense 2

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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