unearth

verb

un·​earth ˌən-ˈərth 

unearthed; unearthing; unearths

transitive verb

1

: to dig up out of or as if out of the earth : exhume

unearth treasure

unearth an old photo album

2

: to make known or public : bring to light

unearth a scandal

Synonyms

• disinter
• exhume

Choose the Right Synonym for unearth

discover, ascertain, determine, unearth, learn mean to find out what one did not previously know.

discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter.

discovered the source of the river

ascertain implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty.

attempts to ascertain the population of the region

determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely.

unable to determine the origin of the word

unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden.

unearth old records

learn may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told) or it may imply study and practice.

I learned her name only today

learning Greek

Examples of unearth in a Sentence

An old document was unearthed from the files.

They unearthed evidence that he had accepted bribes.

Recent Examples on the Web

In the world of cosmetics, there’s always a handful of new beauty products to unearth. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024

Variety was one of many press outlets around the world that published some of the information that emerged from emails and other materials unearthed by the hack. —Andrew Wallenstein, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024

Other researchers had previously unearthed the child’s remains in southwestern Montana and named him Anzick-1. —Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Dec. 2024

Thoughtful touches include a collection of 19th-century fashion prints, unearthed by Mariani in an old London bookshop, which were hung gallery-style on the dressing-room wardrobes. —Busola Evans, Architectural Digest, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

unearth

verb

un·​earth ˌən-ˈərth 

ˈən-

1

: to drive or draw from the earth : dig up

unearth buried treasure

2

: to bring to light : discover

unearth a secret