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

Vague language in the MoU sought to disguise irreconcilable differences between the US demand – supported by much of the international community – for freedom of navigation in and out of the Gulf, and Iran’s insistence on managing shipping. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

On that occasion, Argentina sought to prod, poke and provoke; Enzo Fernandez left one on the head of Elliot Anderson early on, Leandro Paredes caught the ankle of Jude Bellingham. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026

The defense plan calling for a 15 billion pound ($20 billion) spending boost is much smaller than military leaders had sought and has been criticized for not being fully funded under the current budget. — ABC News, 19 July 2026

The exchange of fire has further reignited the conflict between the United States and Iran, after the collapse of last month’s interim deal that sought to end the war. — Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026

Trump’s Amy Coney Barrett, who replaced her, helped form the majority that overturned Roe, the decision most central to the legacy Ginsburg sought to protect. — Michael Sonnenfeldt, Fortune, 19 July 2026

The Federalist Papers include proposals for institutional solutions that sought to redirect the destructive drives of individuals toward positive social ends. — Donovan Fifield, The Conversation, 16 July 2026

Across the East Coast, fireworks, tall ships and World Cup watch parties pressed on in sweltering conditions, as crowds sought shade in museums, metro stations and historic sites. — Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Testing centers closed, access became uneven, and colleges understandably sought leniency during an unparalleled disruption. — Scott White, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026