ransack

[ran-sak] / ˈræn sæk /

VERB

turn inside out in search; ravage

Synonyms

STRONGEST

comb gut loot pillage plunder raid rob scour seize take away

STRONG

appropriate despoil explore ferret filch hunt investigate lift maraud overhaul peer pilfer pinch poach probe pry purloin rake rape ravish rifle rummage rustle sack scan scrutinize search seek sound spoil spy steal strip thieve

WEAK

go over with a fine-tooth comb go through lay waste leave no stone unturned look all over for look high and low look into make off with shake down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

give offer protect receive

STRONG

find ignore neglect order organize

WEAK

care for clean neaten tidy

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 merely following the lead of World Cup organizer FIFA, which is turning this upcoming three-nation showcase into an epic, All-American ransack.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Overton’s 32 from 21 balls and Archer’s 17-ball 38 helped the visitors ransack 100 in the last 10 overs, including 21 off the final over.

From BBC • Nov. 6, 2024

By that he meant the way representatives from other schools would surely try to lure his players away, using lucrative NIL offers to ransack his team through the transfer portal.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 19, 2024

Thursday’s announcement that Rupert Murdoch is stepping down as chairman of Fox and News Corp. prompted news organizations the world over to ransack the obituaries they have been keeping in their vaults.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 21, 2023

One night I have to run to ransack the couch cushions for my ringing phone and pick up without checking first to see who it is.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

Vocabulary lists containing ransack

The Diary of Anne Frank

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"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry

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English Words Derived from Old Norse

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