Synonyms of search

search 1 of 3

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 3

verb (1)

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

search (for or out)

3 of 3

verb (2)

as in to pursue

to go in search of

every year major league scouts crisscross the country to search for young players with promising talent

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pursue
• seek
• chase (down)
• forage (for)
• shop (for)
• look up
• cast about (for)
• look for
• cast around (for)
• hunt
• quest
• ferret (out)
• root (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose
• hide
• ignore
• neglect

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of search

Noun

On Android, open Settings, search for Backup (the exact location varies by manufacturer), and verify that backups are enabled and have run recently. — Larry Magid, Mercury News, 16 July 2026

Martin picks up where Max left off, his search leading him through the back lanes of Sydney, the homes of the rich and powerful, and headlong into a bloody shoot-out in the depths of the Blue Mountains. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 16 July 2026

Verb

Putnam and colleague Carolina Bastidas of MIT Sea Grant were on Spectacle Island in Boston Harbor at the time and began searching. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 15 July 2026

Ortiz was arrested after responding officers set up a perimeter and began searching the area Saturday night. — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 15 July 2026

Phrases Containing search

• search (for or out)