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.

Paul McCartney emerged from the wreckage of the Fab Four in 1970, eager to ferret out a fresh sound.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 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 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

The men gathered at the farm were begun a sweep to ferret out any who had not regained the launches—we could hear them call to each other.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

ferret out

Example Sentences

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