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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.

The online service Grammarly originated in 2009 as a suite of tools to help ferret out plagiarism in schoolwork or help students hone their grammar and spelling.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

Such information can be hard enough to ferret out in democracies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

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

From Slate • Dec. 17, 2025

We will ferret out students who protest against my policies.

From Salon • Oct. 18, 2025

The eyes of the most bullheaded boys radiate a shining determination: every ounce of their attention has been trained to ferret out weakness.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr