Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

fathom

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of fathom

to measure the depth of (as a body of water) typically with a weighted line
  • The pilot had to continually fathom the river, which drought conditions had lowered to unprecedented levels.
Synonyms of fathom

plumb, sound
Words Related to fathom

gauge (also gage), scale, span

remeasure, replumb

Learn More about fathom

  1. Dictionary: Definition of fathom Spanish Central: Translation of fathom Nglish: Translation of fathom for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of fathom for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fathom

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up fathom? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games