1
as in excavated
to hollow out or form (something) by removing earth
a backhoe dug a hole in the backyard to make a swimming pool
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in enjoyed
to take pleasure in
I really dig bluegrass music
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in knew
to have a clear idea of
can you dig what I'm saying?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in poked
to urge or push forward with or as if with a pointed object
every time I slowed down, he'd dig me in the ribs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dug
The men in the community dug trenches to make way for the first pipes, which finally came in 1968, Mayhew-Jones said.
—
Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
Despite not being scheduled for dog daycare at Spot’s Place in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, the energetic pup dug her way under the back gate and followed her usual route to get there on her own.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Although a spike in jet fuel prices is certainly a nail in the discount airline’s coffin, the hole it is being lowered into was dug three years ago—and Biden was holding the shovel.
—Elaine Parker, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
The current outhouse is usually a mere minutes’ walk from the front door, although distance varies, depending on where the next hole is dug.
—Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026
Most of their roots are cut off when they're dug from the field.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026
The Phoenix Suns dug themselves a hole in their first-round NBA playoffs series against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, losing Game 2 120-107.
—Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
The previous owners had dug a foundation under only half of an addition, leaving a sheltered space that proved irresistible to a denning bear.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026
Months earlier, miners had dug foxholes under tents so women and children could avoid bullets randomly fired through the camps.
—Robert Forrant, The Conversation, 20 Apr. 2026
Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
Despite not being scheduled for dog daycare at Spot’s Place in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, the energetic pup dug her way under the back gate and followed her usual route to get there on her own.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Although a spike in jet fuel prices is certainly a nail in the discount airline’s coffin, the hole it is being lowered into was dug three years ago—and Biden was holding the shovel.
—Elaine Parker, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
The current outhouse is usually a mere minutes’ walk from the front door, although distance varies, depending on where the next hole is dug.
—Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026
Most of their roots are cut off when they're dug from the field.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026
The Phoenix Suns dug themselves a hole in their first-round NBA playoffs series against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, losing Game 2 120-107.
—Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
The previous owners had dug a foundation under only half of an addition, leaving a sheltered space that proved irresistible to a denning bear.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026
Months earlier, miners had dug foxholes under tents so women and children could avoid bullets randomly fired through the camps.
—Robert Forrant, The Conversation, 20 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dug
Verb
-
For over 100 years, this soil has been excavated, consistently yielding impressive artifacts related to legionary life.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Apr. 2026
-
It was excavated between 1906 to 1910, but has not been fully explored since then.—
Anne Doran,
ARTnews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Everything can be enjoyed in the garden.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
-
That litigation is occurring as plaintiffs have enjoyed success suing social media companies over addictive app designs.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
To a casual observer, the late-game pinch hitter stepping into the batter’s box Tuesday at Oswego East didn’t seem extraordinary, but Yorkville senior Brooke Ekwinski knew better.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The ominous buzzing of phones, the commingling of accomplishment and humiliation, the sudden pathos of cheap glass awards, the rage at their now-former CEO’s $11 million paycheck… David Frankel’s film knew exactly which buttons to push in our particular audience.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
On Thursday, before the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Kimmel poked fun at the event on his late night show, sharing faux remarks for his own dinner.—
McKinley Franklin,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The host also poked fun at the Trumps’ living separately despite being married for 22 years.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Schindler liked the way the Knights were able to play strong in those setbacks.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Emerson never much liked Hawthorne’s fiction.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
First, let it be understood that the Padres were not facing another of what has been a seemingly constant stream of pitchers with incredible stuff.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The report analyzes data from 2022 through 2024 to grade counties on unhealthy levels of ozone and particle pollution, perhaps better understood as smog and soot, respectively.—
Samantha Neely,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Marcus Semien hit a chopper down the left side, which Jorbit Vivas stabbed at wildly while missing it badly.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Two people were stabbed in north London on Wednesday in an attack that police have now formally declared a terrorist incident, prompting a major emergency response and an ongoing counterterrorism investigation.—
Bradford Betz,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
John Franklin-Myers, who loved talking, sacking and eating Uncrustables, left as a free agent to the Titans.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Some loved the idea of adding a player of his caliber.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dug. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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