Synonyms of search

search 1 of 2

noun

as in hunt

an act or process of looking carefully or thoroughly for someone or something

the search for the missing hikers lasted several days

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hunt
• quest
• exploration
• chase
• survey
• pursuit
• sweep
• scout
• reconnaissance
• canvass
• probe
• recon
• forage
• shakedown

search

2 of 2

verb

ˈsərch 

1

as in to find

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

archaeologists have begun to search the southern end of the valley, where they believe the underground tombs are located

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hide
• lose
• abandon
• ignore
• neglect

2

as in to explore

to go into or range over for purposes of discovery

the Spanish conquistadors searched vast areas of the Southwest in their quest for the fabled cities of gold

Synonyms & Similar Words

• explore
• hunt
• prospect
• probe
• discover
• scout
• skirr
• reconnoiter
• reveal
• disclose
• unearth
• fathom
• plumb
• sound

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of search

Noun

In contrast, younger adults expected AI to be a step in the search process, guiding them to seeking further information with the help of another option, such as a search engine. — Robin Brewer, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026

Channels decay quietly, with search results getting crowded, ad auctions getting expensive, and a list getting tired. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Verb

Police manhunt Dozens of Sacramento police officers, along with other local law enforcement agencies, searched the area for the suspect. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026

While her phone wasn’t searched going into the US, her car was. — CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing search

• search (for or out)