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

Keen later told the relative that police knew about the new vehicle and were actively tracking it, records say, as well as running the relative’s name through a police search tool to identify any active warrants. — Josh Wood, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Sep. 2026

Witten, a former Tennessee great, is a name to remember if UT ends up with a coaching search down the road. — Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Verb

Others searched the information to identify cryptocurrency holders who appeared to be the most valuable targets. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

The revamp allowed users ​to search many records ⁠at a time and gave them access to individuals' Social Security numbers. — Reuters, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing search

• search (for or out)