Synonyms of unearth

unearth

verb

ˌən-ˈərth 

as in to exhume

to remove from place of burial

unearthed a hoard of treasures from the Egyptian tomb

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exhume
• disinter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bury
• inter
• tomb
• entomb
• inhume

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb unearth contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of unearth are ascertain, determine, discover, and learn. While all these words mean "to find out what one did not previously know," unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden.

unearth old records

When is ascertain a more appropriate choice than unearth?

The words ascertain and unearth are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ascertain implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty.

attempts to ascertain the population of the region

When can determine be used instead of unearth?

While the synonyms determine and unearth are close in meaning, determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely.

unable to determine the origin of the word

When might discover be a better fit than unearth?

Although the words discover and unearth have much in common, discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter.

discovered the source of the river

When would learn be a good substitute for unearth?

While in some cases nearly identical to unearth, learn may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told) or it may imply study and practice.

I learned her name only today

learning Greek

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unearth

Parking lot construction at Colorado’s Dinosaur National Monument unearthed new fossils last fall, the first discovery at the monument in more than 100 years, according to the National Park Service. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 20 Jan. 2026

What about an Indiana Jones–like explorer, eager to race to the edge of the world to unearth a treasure or two—and vanquish some bad guys as a bonus? —Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 20 Jan. 2026

But for the brave men and women of the TSA, unearthing every strange and confusing item in passenger luggage is just another day on the job. —Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026

This usually means unearthing products from medicine cabinets, organizers, and drawers, and lining them up on the floor or across their bedspread. —Grace McCarty, Glamour, 14 Jan. 2026