delve 1 of 2

Definition of delvenext
archaic
as in cave
a naturally formed underground chamber with an opening to the surface a poem in which a medieval knight encounters a mysterious beauty in a darkened delve

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delve

2 of 2

verb

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 delve
Verb
Both Graffiti and Times delve beneath the surface of their characters, showing in the process that teenagers haven’t changed all that much. Gina Friedlande, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026 His failure to delve deeper into these flashback scenes and situations is as striking as their undeveloped implications. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2026 To delve to the (geological) heart of the matter, scientists want to know the moon’s deepest secret—what’s happening at its most abyssal depths. Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 7 Apr. 2026 Detecting a single photon is difficult, but as scientists delve into the quantum realm, even microwave photons can make a difference. Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for delve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delve
Noun
  • That doesn’t mean the 77,100-acre oasis of craggy peaks, maze-like caves, and alpine lakes is any less enchanting.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Located in the northeastern part of the Buckeye State, this day-use state park rocks similar rugged cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and caves without the overcrowded parking lots.
    Joie Probst, Midwest Living, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The project, which was initially approved in 2001, involves clearing 65 acres of the landfill’s unused property and excavating 7 million cubic yards of dirt and rock to accommodate South Orange County’s waste disposal needs through 2102, extending the facility’s operating life by 50 years.
    Claire Wang, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Stern has dedicated his career to excavating the emotional landmines and complex origin stories that shape the lyrics, the songs, the chart-topping hits that land singers and songwriters into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
    Malina Saval, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Located between the Sahara tent and the Do Lab, the Bunker is a gigantic subterranean cavern with room for 300 or so people — a dark and cool respite from the blazing Indio sun.
    Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The caverns boast 4 miles of cave passages, as well as over 400 acres aboveground.
    Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But their shop is open, next to a new crater and a charred apartment building where workers are actively digging through rubble.
    Will Clark, NBC news, 20 Apr. 2026
  • In the wild, ants communicate via pheromones — chemical breadcrumbs that signal where to walk or where to dig.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Take 25 Hours, in Long Island City, for example, which is freighted with a depressing ambience that is equal parts chemistry lab and subterranean grotto.
    Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
  • This one-bedroom Airbnb is on the ground floor of the villa and showcases the building’s original soaring stone arches and curved ceilings that evoke an ancient grotto.
    Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In some buildings, the workers also clean, shovel snowy sidewalks and wrestle bins of refuse out of basements and alleys for pickup.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Wood handles are fine for light work, such as shoveling mulch.
    Midwest Living, Midwest Living, 14 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Delve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delve. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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