Synonyms of search

search 1 of 3

noun

as in hunt

an act or process of looking carefully or thoroughly for someone or something

the search for the missing hikers lasted several days

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hunt
• quest
• exploration
• chase
• survey
• pursuit
• sweep
• scout
• reconnaissance
• canvass
• probe
• canvas
• recon
• forage
• shakedown

search

2 of 3

verb (1)

ˈsərch 

1

as in to find

to look through (as a place) carefully or thoroughly in an effort to find or discover something

archaeologists have begun to search the southern end of the valley, where they believe the underground tombs are located

Synonyms & Similar Words

• find
• scan
• locate
• comb
• investigate
• survey
• explore
• examine
• scour
• rake
• discover
• inspect
• rummage
• rifle
• dredge
• hunt (through)
• dig (through)
• ransack
• troll
• review
• sort (through)
• check (out)
• ascertain
• audit
• scrutinize
• learn
• determine
• find out
• study
• browse
• detect
• run down
• probe
• hit (on or upon)
• track (down)
• frisk
• get
• prospect
• peruse
• shake down
• look over
• poke (around)
• pat down
• glance (over)
• ferret (out)
• scare up
• snoop
• descry
• skirmish
• grub (about)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hide
• lose
• abandon
• ignore
• neglect

2

as in to explore

to go into or range over for purposes of discovery

the Spanish conquistadors searched vast areas of the Southwest in their quest for the fabled cities of gold

Synonyms & Similar Words

• explore
• hunt
• prospect
• probe
• discover
• scout
• skirr
• reconnoitre
• reconnoiter
• reveal
• disclose
• unearth
• fathom
• plumb
• sound

search (for or out)

3 of 3

verb (2)

as in to pursue

to go in search of

every year major league scouts crisscross the country to search for young players with promising talent

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pursue
• seek
• chase (down)
• forage (for)
• shop (for)
• look up
• cast about (for)
• look for
• cast around (for)
• hunt
• quest
• ferret (out)
• root (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose
• hide
• ignore
• neglect

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of search

Noun

The seasoned detective went to great lengths to conduct boots on the ground searches, communicate with Cross’s family and conduct interviews, all with approval from his department as well as the McCreary County Sheriff. —Dawn Klavon, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025

The problem is the search for new water sources in areas that don’t have water to spare. —Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2025

Verb

As of Saturday afternoon, police were still searching for a shooting suspect, according to the city. —Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2025

The Warriors will treat Sunday’s home game against the Clippers as their first true playoff game, searching for a week off for their aching bodies and extra practice and prep time for the Lakers. —Anthony Slater, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025

Phrases Containing search

• search (for or out)