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Definitions

ferret out

VERB
search out
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ascertain bring to light drive out get at sniff out uncover unearth
WEAK
be on to chase chase down determine dig out dig up disclose discover elicit extract follow hunt hunt down learn nose out penetrate pick up on pierce probe pry pursue quest root out scout out search out seek smell out smoke out trace track down trail worm out

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.

They’re all law-abiding people, and this directive ostensibly aims to ferret out terrorists and criminals.

From Slate • Dec. 17, 2025

The modern discipline of psychology would ferret out the private motives of regular and refined collectors alike.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

We will ferret out students who protest against my policies.

From Salon • Oct. 18, 2025

The fact that Duffy is wasting his time by making these threats and combing through awarded contracts to ferret out such putative violations is, however, a settled question: Of course he is.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2025

He appointed McMillan and Kamen to ferret out any flaw in the work.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.