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

But these recollections of the trip were recently unearthed by current events. —Outside, 25 Sep. 2025

For a mysterious reason, however, the hoard was never unearthed — until now. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025

In 2002, Ed Lawler, a historian with the Independence Hall Association, published a paper about the site and, as the National Park Service prepared to move the Liberty Bell into a new pavilion near it, archaeologists began to unearth evidence of the house. —Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025

Its rolling hills—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—glow gold, nebbiolo grapes are harvested, and white truffles are unearthed. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2025