unearth

verb

un·​earth ˌən-ˈərth 

unearthed; unearthing; unearths

transitive verb

1

: to dig up out of or as if out of the earth : exhume

unearth treasure

unearth an old photo album

2

: to make known or public : bring to light

unearth a scandal

Synonyms

• disinter
• exhume

Choose the Right Synonym for unearth

discover, ascertain, determine, unearth, learn mean to find out what one did not previously know.

discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter.

discovered the source of the river

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

determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely.

unable to determine the origin of the word

unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden.

unearth old records

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

Examples of unearth in a Sentence

An old document was unearthed from the files.

They unearthed evidence that he had accepted bribes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Since 2019, only two Anfal mass graves have been unearthed, and countless others remain hidden beneath the soil. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025

Looking ahead, Nike is also focusing on personalized gear and unearthing new ways to connect with consumers in the age of social media. —Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 23 Jan. 2025

And Trump’s nominees have unearthed further clashes among Senate Democrats on whether to throw up obstacles for inevitable confirmations in a show of resistance. —Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 22 Jan. 2025

This sets up the story for the main characters to come along later and unearth this unusual mobile suit for themselves. —Ollie Barder, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

unearth

verb

un·​earth ˌən-ˈərth 

ˈən-

1

: to drive or draw from the earth : dig up

unearth buried treasure

2

: to bring to light : discover

unearth a secret