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

Israeli archaeologists recently unearthed ancient gold at a former Christian monastery in the Judean Desert. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025

When a new neighbor joins the cul-de-sac, old secrets are unearthed and start to chip the paint off the pristine facade of suburban living. —Lucy Ford, Time, 27 Dec. 2025

And as the Epstein files documents start being released, new proof of Andrew’s long connection to Epstein is also being unearthed. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 27 Dec. 2025

Archaeologists have unearthed breathtaking frescos and new architectural features at the extraordinary Villa di Poppea near Pompei, believed to have belonged to Nero’s second wife. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 27 Dec. 2025

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