unearth

verb

ˌən-ˈərth How to pronounce unearth (audio)
Definition of unearthnext
as in to exhume
to remove from place of burial unearthed a hoard of treasures from the Egyptian tomb

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Example 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 The game is expected to release on April 17, thanks to an ESRB leak unearthed by Billbil-kun at Dealabs. — Brian Mazique, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 For the study, the researchers analyzed the remains of 22 cats unearthed at 14 Chinese archaeological sites spanning about 5,000 years. — Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Mar. 2025 After the Serial podcast unearthed new evidence in 2014, a Maryland court agreed to review his conviction, and it was vacated for the first time in 2016. — Charmaine Patterson, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025 During the course of the series, Mullen's investigation into the cyberattack unearths the mysterious weapon. — Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unearth

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Cite this Entry

“Unearth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unearth. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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