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Definitions

dredge up

VERB
unearth
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ascertain bring to light determine discover excavate exhibit exhume expose find find out reveal uncover
STRONG
delve disinter ferret hear learn root see show spark spotlight strike uproot
WEAK
catch on hit upon see the light stumble on turn up unbury
Antonyms
STRONGEST
conceal cover hide lose miss pass by suppress
STRONG
ignore overlook
WEAK
bury

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This is a film that serves a purpose, and Jones’ amiable writing and Aramayo’s engaging performance dredge up just enough sentimentality while keeping the movie from seeming overly instructive.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

Just five years ago, the same agency—then under former Gov. Andrew Cuomo—had denied the permit, citing the likelihood that it would dredge up toxic material.

From Barron's • Nov. 7, 2025

All this material allows the bots to generate superficially coherent answers to questions by generating prose patterns and sometimes repeating facts they dredge up from their hoards of scraped material.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2025

The Delaware trial isn’t about Hunter Biden’s foreign business affairs, though the proceedings were likely to dredge up dark, embarrassing and painful memories.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2024

Anya’s heart still hammered and her belly twisted with fear, and the first coherent thought she could dredge up was why the dragon hadn’t tried to eat her yet.

From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack