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

Though our active search has ended, our support and sympathy remain with all those impacted by this tragic incident. —David Chiu, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025

State college and university presidential searches are now mostly secret. —Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2025

Verb

The investigation remains ongoing police said, and the Coast Guard will continue to search for the missing person. —Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025

Police are desperately searching for a man who has now been missing for almost two weeks after visiting a national park in Colorado, authorities said. —Jon Haworth, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2025

Phrases Containing search

• search (for or out)