comb

verb

Definition of combnext
as in to search
to look through (as a place) carefully or thoroughly in an effort to find or discover something combed the library for the missing book

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of comb Cadaver dogs continue to comb the Passaic River, trying to pick up the girl's scent. — Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 31 July 2026 Thus far in the investigation, authorities have combed through over 600 tips and 100,000 individual CCTV clips from over 650 cameras in the area, according to CBC. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 Investigators combed through the DNA and paper trail genealogy research to fill gaps in Bradley’s family tree, from newspaper and social media records to genetic analysis. — Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 25 July 2026 Hair feels noticeably smoother, looks shinier and is easier to comb through. — Nadine Solano, Vogue, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for comb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comb
  1. search
  2. rake
  3. find
Verb
  • Unlike Lake Michigan, debris and garbage settle along the riverbed and near the banks, forcing divers to search through sediment and obstacles while currents continue to move beneath the surface.
    — Darius Johnson, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Investigators searched the Starbucks headquarters in southern Seoul on Tuesday, police said Wednesday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of search
Verb
  • Corbin raked Trick’s eyes behind the referees back, but Yachty hit Corbin with a kendo stick leading to a Death Valley Driver from Trick for the nearfall.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Cover sandboxes with a tarp when not in use and rake sand under playground equipment to help deter wasps.
    — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
Definition of rake
Verb
  • Packable, walkable, comfortable—three keywords to bookmark when shopping for a travel sandal, though finding all of them in one pair can be a journey of its own.
    — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026
  • If found not guilty due to a lack of criminal responsibility, she would be committed to a state mental health facility.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of find

Browse Nearby Words

comatose
comb
combat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Comb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comb. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on comb

Nglish: Translation of comb for Spanish Speakers

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