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 of unearth

• 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

The most enlightening section covers the recording of Philosophy of the World, and Kwapis unearths a surprising number of eyewitnesses, given the amount of time that has since passed. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026

This tweet was one of many unearthed during her Oscar campaign. —Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026

Vartanian said Elgin is unique in using a podcast to try to unearth new details and tips in cases that have long gone cold. —Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026

Watch young John Early, Kate Berlant, and Cole Escola re-create a scene from the film in intricate detail and see camp interpretation at its finest — comedians using Showgirls’s eccentricities to unearth something delicious. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unearth

• childbirth
• rebirth
• stillbirth
• tamworth
• afterbirth
• berth
• birth
• dearth
• earth
• firth
• girth
• mirth

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