UNEARTH Synonyms: 7 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'unearth' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of unearth are ascertain , determine , discover , and learn . While all these words mean "to find out what one did not previously know," unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden. // unearth old records

Q: When is 'ascertain' a more appropriate choice than 'unearth'?

The words ascertain and unearth are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Q: When can 'determine' be used instead of 'unearth'?

While the synonyms determine and unearth are close in meaning, determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely. // unable to determine the origin of the word

Q: When might 'discover' be a better fit than 'unearth'?

Although the words discover and unearth have much in common, discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter. // discovered the source of the river

Q: When would 'learn' be a good substitute for 'unearth'?

While in some cases nearly identical to unearth , 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

unearth

verb

ˌən-ˈərth

Definition of unearth next

as in to exhume

to remove from place of burial unearthed a hoard of treasures from the Egyptian tomb

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb unearth contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of unearth are ascertain, determine, discover, and learn. While all these words mean "to find out what one did not previously know," unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden.

unearth old records

When is ascertain a more appropriate choice than unearth?

The words ascertain and unearth are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When can determine be used instead of unearth?

While the synonyms determine and unearth are close in meaning, determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely.

unable to determine the origin of the word

When might discover be a better fit than unearth?

Although the words discover and unearth have much in common, discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter.

discovered the source of the river

When would learn be a good substitute for unearth?

While in some cases nearly identical to unearth, 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 Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of unearth Look for identifiers in employee behavior to unearth anything unusual without invading privacy. —

James Henderson, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 The designer has gradually unearthed a world of new, biodynamic and indie wine labels, local wineries and young entrepreneurs, which sparked his interest as much as the latest exhibitions in Milan. —

Sandra Salibian, WWD, 2 Dec. 2024 Brands briefly digs below the surface to question whether Lindbergh and Roosevelt were sincere, but further digging would have unearthed a mother lode of insincerities. —

Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 29 Nov. 2024 The 2,000-year-old fig is one of many items that have been unearthed during excavations in the area. —

Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unearth