Synonyms of dredge

dredge 1 of 2

verb (1)

ˈdrej 

as in to search

to look through (as a place) carefully or thoroughly in an effort to find or discover something

I've been dredging my memory bank, and I simply can't remember her name

Synonyms & Similar Words

• search
• rake
• comb
• find
• scan
• scour
• locate
• survey
• rifle
• explore
• investigate
• examine
• troll
• hunt (through)
• dig (through)
• rummage
• inspect
• ransack
• discover
• sort (through)
• review
• scrutinize
• detect
• ascertain
• check (out)
• determine
• audit
• track (down)
• find out
• run down
• learn
• probe
• hit (on or upon)
• shake down
• get
• ferret (out)
• study
• pat down
• prospect
• poke (around)
• frisk
• look over
• peruse
• glance (over)
• browse
• descry
• scare up
• snoop
• grub (about)
• skirmish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hide
• lose
• abandon
• ignore
• neglect

dredge (up)

2 of 2

verb (2)

as in to find

to come upon after searching, study, or effort

I might be able to dredge up some old baby clothes to donate

Synonyms & Similar Words

• find
• learn
• discover
• locate
• hunt (down or up)
• get
• track (down)
• scout (up)
• find out
• run down
• dig out
• dig up
• hit (on or upon)
• detect
• turn up
• ferret (out)
• ascertain
• rout (out)
• determine
• root (out)
• scare up
• nose out
• rummage
• descry
• search (for or out)
• sight
• spot
• seek
• look for
• espy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pass over
• miss
• overlook
• lose
• misset
• misplace
• mislay

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dredge

Verb

Pound the chicken cutlets lightly to an even thickness before dredging to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026

One of the reasons cited is the need for dredging the marina entrance to Lake Michigan. —Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026

The fish can be prepared several ways, but the overwhelming favorite method is to dredge chunks of snook in bread crumbs and fry them. —Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2026

Working one at a time, dredge the chicken in mayonnaise, then panko. —Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2026

Phrases Containing dredge

• dredge (up)