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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of unearthThis led to the investigation of Gein’s farm that unearthed his atrocities, including Worden’s body being decapitated, flayed, and hung in his shed.—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2025 But Gant isn’t the only one with memories that could be unearthed on Friday evening.—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025 Scientists unearthed the bones at the Lago Colhué Huapi rock formation in Patagonia, a region known for its glaciers, mountains and wildlife.—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025 It was unearthed from the UNESCO World Heritage area of Monte San Giorgio in Switzerland.—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unearth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unearth
exhume
Verb
Investigators also discovered human remains and organs in the home, many of which were collected from corpses exhumed from local graves.
—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
In many municipal cemeteries, bodies are exhumed in order to make room for more.
—
Mariana Enriquez
October 2,
Literary Hub,
2 Oct. 2025
Share