as in searching
to look through (as a place) carefully or thoroughly in an effort to find or discover something
combed the library for the missing book
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Recent Examples of combing
Authorities are combing through video from the scene, including this video which appears to show a person on the roof immediately following the shooting, according to sources familiar with the ongoing investigation.
—
Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
Without federal and local standards on how to deal with contaminants like arsenic and the carcinogen benzene, dozens of researchers and private specialists are combing through yards and homes, work that goes beyond authorities’ post-fire testing.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 11 Sep. 2025
Ilett has been combing the schedule.
—Don Riddell, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
Less than two weeks later, a DOGE task force arrived in Bradenton for a two-day visit, combing through files and interviewing staff.
—Josh Salman, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025
Already combing through cherry pie recipes?
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2025
The researchers are combing the site meter by meter using a kind of underwater vacuum cleaner to collect material for future analysis.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2025
Internet users immediately began combing through the internet to find out more details about the man, who was said to be employed locally as a nurse.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
Rather than lathering the hair in gel or wax, women online have been combing hair masks through for a gentle, more hydrating alternative.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 22 Aug. 2025
Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
Without federal and local standards on how to deal with contaminants like arsenic and the carcinogen benzene, dozens of researchers and private specialists are combing through yards and homes, work that goes beyond authorities’ post-fire testing.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 11 Sep. 2025
Ilett has been combing the schedule.
—Don Riddell, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
Less than two weeks later, a DOGE task force arrived in Bradenton for a two-day visit, combing through files and interviewing staff.
—Josh Salman, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025
Already combing through cherry pie recipes?
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2025
The researchers are combing the site meter by meter using a kind of underwater vacuum cleaner to collect material for future analysis.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2025
Internet users immediately began combing through the internet to find out more details about the man, who was said to be employed locally as a nurse.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
Rather than lathering the hair in gel or wax, women online have been combing hair masks through for a gentle, more hydrating alternative.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 22 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for combing
searching
Verb
-
Authorities are still searching for those responsible.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Who isn't searching for Japan travel?—
Monica Pitrelli,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Combing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/combing. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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