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

Over the years, however, some bones dating to before Columbus’ journey to the Americas have been unearthed in Europe with syphilis-causing bacteria or syphilis-looking lesions. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Dec. 2024

And these sales aren’t just about clothing and accessories either—we’ve unearthed some amazing beauty products, too. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2024

Also on display is the earliest and largest group of glassware ever unearthed in China. —Jane Levere, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

Researchers announced a new species of dinosaur, unearthed in Montana. —Natalie Escobar, NPR, 24 Dec. 2024

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