frequently_asked_questions_files/Oxford Thesaurus.pdf

probable adj. (most) likely, apt, (quite) possible, presumed, plausible,
undoubted, indubitable, apparent, unquestionable, evident,
ostensible, odds-on, feasible, believable, credible: The
probable cause of the flooding was a blockage in the drains. It
is probable that most medieval churches had paintings round the
walls.
probably adv. (very) likely, in all likelihood, in all probability,
undoubtedly, doubtlessly, indubitably, unquestionably,
presumably, quite, all things considered, to all intents and
purposes, possibly, perhaps, Colloq as likely as not, quite:
She is probably the best tennis player in the world at the
moment.
probe v. 1 explore, examine, scrutinize, investigate, search (into),
look into, go into, study, dig into, delve into, poke about or
around, Colloq poke into: They probed his background thoroughly
but found nothing unusual. 2 poke, prod, explore, examine;
plumb, dig: Snipe use their long bills to probe for worms in
soft mud.
--n. 3 investigation, examination, exploration, scrutiny,
search, study, inquiry or enquiry, inquest: There will be a
governmental probe into the mismanagement of the department.
probity n. integrity, uprightness, honesty, morality, rectitude,
virtue, goodness, decency, righteousness, right-mindedness,
sincerity, trustworthiness, honour, equity, justness, justice,
fairness: Lord Chancellors have consistently been men of
unquestioned probity.
problem n. 1 difficulty, trouble, question, dilemma, quandary,
predicament, complication, hornet's nest, imbroglio, mess,
muddle, stew, Colloq can of worms, fine kettle of fish, (pretty)
pickle, Brit facer: The Chancellor must constantly deal with
the problems of the country's economy. 2 puzzle, conundrum,
poser, riddle, question, enigma, puzzler, Colloq mind-boggler,
hard or tough nut to crack: The problem is how to get the yolk
out without breaking the shell.
--adj. 3 unruly, unmanageable, intractable, uncontrollable,
difficult, ungovernable, refractory, incorrigible, obstreperous,
delinquent, maladjusted, disturbed, emotionally upset: He