delve 1 of 2

noun

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

as in to excavate

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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
The traditional public library model many of us grew up with has changed as patrons delve into all sorts of offerings currently archived on and off shelves. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 Demo time Early next year, Halliburton will drill the first test well—using an extra-large drill bit—to delve thousands of feet underground vertically and horizontally. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026 The survey did not delve into the reasons why, but that cohort includes many of the parents helping struggling young adult children. — Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026 Tony, taking place over one summer, does not delve into questions about his death. — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for delve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delve
  1. cave
  2. excavate
  3. cavern
  4. dig
  5. grotto
  6. shovel
Noun
  • But the detail about the cave had not appeared in the police report, because Rachelle had not been interviewed directly by investigators after she was evacuated.
    — Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Michael does have a nice moment with Joe in this man wine cave about Joe standing up for him at the round table, and they hug.
    — Alice Burton, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of cave
Verb
  • Energy companies might save substantial capital by tapping naturally occurring subterranean structures rather than excavating artificial caverns or modifying depleted reservoirs.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The last set of stairs, which lead to the basement that the couple excavated, is contemporary.
    — Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of excavate
Noun
  • Salt caverns present severe geographical constraints, while aquifers and depleted hydrocarbon fields lack demonstrated, long-term containment integrity for hydrogen gas.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026
  • After lingering over spaghetti alle vongole at Ristorante Lido Azzurro, which hovers over the sea near Amalfi’s harbor, zip around the coast to sea caverns and grottos, pausing for dips in secluded spots away from the crowds.
    — Lane Nieset, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of cavern
Verb
  • Hundreds of British troops crisscrossed fields with thousands of metres of razor wire and dug a long ditch that was later partially filled with water to act as a moat to keep the Protestant marchers away from the Catholic enclave.
    — Amanda Ferguson Reuters, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
  • To preserve the root ball, dig as wide around the plant as possible.
    — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of dig
Noun
  • The site near the Spanish border draws millions of pilgrims annually, including sick and disabled believers hoping for a cure from the famed spring water in the Lourdes grotto.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Best Things to Do Hamilton Pool Preserve is a limestone grotto with a 50-foot waterfall cascading into a natural pool below.
    — Jill Robbins, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of grotto
Verb
  • Locals and government officials were clearing debris and shoveling thick mud coating much of the town.
    — Eugene Garcia, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Several parody videos of people shoveling dessert into their mouths also circulated on social media.
    — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of shovel

Phrases Containing delve

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deluxe
delve
delved
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Cite this Entry

“Delve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delve. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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