ferret 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 controversy prompted a more broadly-based movement to ferret out other Vietnamese celebrities suspected of conspiring against the country.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2025

"This island's more or less a bare rock. We shall make short work of searching it. We'll soon ferret out U. N. Owen, Esq."

From "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie