find out

verb

found out; finding out; finds out
Synonyms of find outnext

transitive verb

1
: to learn by effort, study, observation, or search : discover
I need to find out where the meeting is being held.
2
a
: to catch in an offense (such as a crime)
The culprits were soon found out.
b
: to ascertain the true character or identity of
The informer was eventually found out.

intransitive verb

: to discover, learn, or verify something
I don't know, but I'll find out for you.

Examples of find out in a Sentence

that was around the time that I found out I was adopted found out about the new restaurant by reading reviews online
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Arthur is dying for the family to find out about Reggie’s son Carmelo (Jalyn Hall) and his secret relationship with Delilah Basmati (Arica Himmel), daughter of Reggie’s nemesis, Jerry Basmati (Craig Robinson). — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Nov. 2026 One of his friends called me to say his brother found out and plans on showing up. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026 The Scoop Wall Street is finding out just how expensive things can get in a matter of months. — Ellen Dimauro, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026 One of his friends called me to say the brother found out and plans on showing up. — Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for find out

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of find out was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Find out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/find%20out. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

Kids Definition

find out

verb
1
: to learn by study, observation, or search : discover
2
: to catch doing something bad
the culprit was found out
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