# unearth

/əˈnɝθ/ (US) · /ʌnˈɜːθ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unearth
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

to find something that was hidden or buried, either in the ground or in old records.

For teachers: to dig up something from the ground, or to discover something hidden through intensive searching or investigation.

## Examples

- The dog managed to unearth an old bone in the garden.
- After weeks of research, the journalist managed to unearth documents that proved the company had lied.
- Archaeologists hope to unearth evidence of a prehistoric settlement that predates the current ruins by several centuries.

## Synonyms

excavate, discover, uncover, reveal, expose, disclose

## Antonyms

Bury, conceal, hide

## Usage notes

- Transitive — always takes a direct object. Often used metaphorically for discovering information.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.