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Definition of unearth

unearth

/ʌnˈɜːrθ/
un · earth
Adjective:unearthed
•
Past Simple:unearthed
•
Past Participle:unearthed
•
Present Participle:unearthing
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unearth Lexical Profile

unearth Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To discover or bring to light something hidden, lost, or kept secret by careful searching or investigation.

Example

"During her archival research, the historian was able to unearth previously unpublished letters written by the poet."

2

To dig up or find something in the ground by excavating.

Example

"Archaeologists working in the valley managed to unearth several intact pottery vessels from the Bronze Age."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for unearth

• Nearby Words

undying
undyingly
unearned
unearth
unearthly
unease
uneasily

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 16th century from the prefix 'un-' (denoting removal or reversal) and the noun 'earth', originally referring to driving a burrowing animal such as a fox or badger out of its underground lair.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Unearth. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 3, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/unearth
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