probing
Seeking beneath surfaces
Probing describes investigation that goes deeper than surface examination.
A probing question seeks information someone might not volunteer.
A probing look tries to read what's behind your expression.
A probing investigation digs past the obvious.
The word suggests persistent, searching inquiry: The reporter's probing revealed years of financial misconduct.
Eager to learn more
- searchingLooking to find
- inquiringSeeking information actively
- wonderingFeeling curiosity about something
- analyticalExamining parts methodically
scrutinizing · examining · exploring · skeptical · questioning · investigative · prying · delving
Seeking answers through inquiry
- interrogationFormal, probing examination
- examinationMethodical assessment or review
- scrutinyClose, careful examination
- investigationFormal examination of facts
cross-examination · grilling · inquisition · debriefing · vetting · fact-finding · interviewing · querying
Methodical assessment or review
- palpationMedical examination by touch
- endoscopyInternal organ examination
- biopsyTissue sample for diagnosis
- colonoscopyLarge intestine examination
laparoscopy · catheter · scope · digital · rectal · exploratory surgery · lumbar puncture · amniocentesis
Far from surface
- searchingLooking to find
- thoroughComplete in every detail
- rigorousExtremely thorough and careful
- persistentContinuing despite difficulty
relentless · pointed · incisive · penetrating · sharp · keen · forceful · aggressive
Penetrating or very sharp
- boringFailing to engage interest
- drillingHole-making by rotation
- puncturingMaking holes by piercing
- pokingLight repeated jabbing
prodding · inserting · entering · tunneling · reaching · extending · feeling · touching
Input-detecting device
- instrumentDevice for specific tasks
- spacecraftVehicle for outer space
- roverDrifter or space explorer
- scanningSystematic visual examination
sampling · measuring · detecting · analyzing · telemetry · radar · sonar · spectroscopy
Intrusively curious
- meddlesomeProne to interfering
- pryingIntrusively inquisitive
- invasiveEncroaching without welcome
- impertinentRudely presumptuous
snooping · obtrusive · presumptuous · unwelcome · officious · intrusive · overstepping · encroaching
inquisitive
Eager to learn more
- searchingLooking to find
- inquiringSeeking information actively
- wonderingFeeling curiosity about something
analytical · scrutinizing · examining · exploring · skeptical · questioning · investigative · prying · delving · penetrating
questioning
Seeking answers through inquiry
- interrogationFormal, probing examination
- examinationMethodical assessment or review
- scrutinyClose, careful examination
investigation · cross-examination · grilling · inquisition · debriefing · vetting · fact-finding · interviewing · querying · delving
examination
Methodical assessment or review
- palpationMedical examination by touch
- endoscopyInternal organ examination
- biopsyTissue sample for diagnosis
colonoscopy · laparoscopy · catheter · scope · digital · rectal · exploratory surgery · lumbar puncture · amniocentesis · arthroscopy
deep
Far from surface
persistent · relentless · pointed · incisive · penetrating · sharp · keen · forceful · aggressive · sustained
piercing
Penetrating or very sharp
- boringFailing to engage interest
- drillingHole-making by rotation
- puncturingMaking holes by piercing
poking · prodding · inserting · entering · tunneling · reaching · extending · feeling · touching · pressing
sensor
Input-detecting device
- instrumentDevice for specific tasks
- spacecraftVehicle for outer space
- roverDrifter or space explorer
scanning · sampling · measuring · detecting · analyzing · telemetry · radar · sonar · spectroscopy · remote sensing
nosy
Intrusively curious
- meddlesomeProne to interfering
- pryingIntrusively inquisitive
- invasiveEncroaching without welcome
impertinent · snooping · obtrusive · presumptuous · unwelcome · officious · intrusive · overstepping · encroaching · personal
- UFO LoreUFOs, flying saucers, alien abduction, alien abductions, close encounters
- teachingteaching, lesson plans, instructing, educating, courses
- questionsquestion, inquiry, questions, query, interrogatives
- assessmentevaluating, test, analyzing, exam, assessing
- conversation tacticsactive listening, mirroring, small talk, deflection, changing subject
- discoveryfind, finding, discovery, discover, finding out
probingsuperficial
Lacking depth or substance
shallow · cursory · surface-level · perfunctory · skin-deep
probingincurious
Lacking desire to learn
uninquisitive · indifferent · disinterested · uninterested · apathetic