Synonyms of sought

sought

verb

past tense of seek

1

as in pursued

to go in search of

Henry Hudson was set adrift by mutinous crewmen while seeking the Northwest Passage to the Pacific Ocean

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pursued
• hunted
• searched (for or out)
• chased (down)
• looked up
• shopped (for)
• looked for
• cast about (for)
• foraged (for)
• quested
• cast around (for)
• rooted (out)
• ferreted (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lost
• ignored
• hid
• neglected

2

as in requested

to make a request for

came seeking financial advice

Synonyms & Similar Words

• requested
• required
• desired
• demanded
• urged
• spoke (for)
• sued (for)
• pleaded (for)
• called (for)
• claimed
• invited
• asked (for)
• solicited
• quested
• invoked
• applied (for)
• wished (for)
• importuned
• begged (for)
• enjoined
• insisted (on)
• requisitioned
• bespoke
• pressed (for)
• petitioned (for)
• clamored (for)
• exacted

3

as in tried

to make an effort to do

seek to find the best solution

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tried
• attempted
• endeavored
• strove
• essayed
• assayed
• hoped
• shot at
• struggled
• aimed
• had a go at
• worked
• fought
• toiled
• undertook
• troubled
• aspired
• tried one's hand (at)
• assumed
• strained
• took up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dropped
• quit
• gave up

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sought

The Louisiana state court sought to enjoin the SEC from acting against LSU for rostering the players, but even then LSU chose not to roster the players — at least not yet. — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Court documents previously obtained by Fox News Digital said the investigation began after Deutsch sought permission to take the girl to visit a friend in Texas. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026

The Democratic nominee is more popular with independents, polling shows, and has sought to win over middle-of-the road Texans during his statewide bid. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2026

After a citizen’s task force last month recommended Orange County make hotel tax reform a legislative priority, the Orlando Sentinel sought interviews with the two leading candidates for governor for their take on the future of the lucrative tax. — Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026

Federal authorities have arrested and sought to deport pro-Palestinian activists, actions that judges have deemed a First Amendment violation. — Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026

Both sides have sought to inflict both military and economic pain, and negotiations have collapsed. — Toqa Ezzidin, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026

Oppenheim’s film was among the most sought after tickets of the first weekend at this year’s festival. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026

Khanal said the government has sought specialized support from Nepal’s neighbors in tunnel rescue, survivor-detection technology, rapid forensic and DNA analysis, as well as morgue refrigerators. — Victoria Milko, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026