unearth

verb

un·​earth ˌən-ˈərth How to pronounce unearth (audio)
unearthed; unearthing; unearths
Synonyms of unearthnext

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 of unearth

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In July 2025, utility workers excavating trenches to expand an underground gas network in Peru's capital unearthed two pre-Incan tombs that were over 1,000 years old. — CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 Their scouting evaluation, comprehensive enough to unearth the aptitude beneath that bushy head of hair, compelled the team to select Bredeson in the fifth round of the 2026 draft. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026 While the research unearths new factors that appear to influence phantom quake sensations, the study has its limitations. — New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026 The institute Asher works for has used AI to tap into the memories of the oldest living creatures on earth (the giant sea turtle), unearthing testimony of the long history of mankind’s horrors. — John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unearth

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unearth was in the 15th century

Rhymes for unearth

See All Rhymes for unearth

Browse Nearby Words

unearned premium
unearth
unearthliness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unearth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unearth. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unearth

verb
un·​earth ˌən-ˈərth How to pronounce unearth (audio)
ˈən-
1
: to drive or draw from the earth : dig up
unearth buried treasure
2
: to bring to light : discover
unearth a secret

More from Merriam-Webster on unearth

Nglish: Translation of unearth for Spanish Speakers

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