rifle through

VERB

dip into

Synonyms

WEAK

appropriate browse dabble flip through get glance at glance over leaf through peruse play at run over run through scan seize skim take taste thumb through

VERB

Synonyms

STRONGEST

check comb examine explore go through hunt hunt for inspect investigate look probe ransack scan scour scout scrutinize seek sift

STRONG

beat ferret forage frisk grope grub inquire prospect pry quest rake root rummage study

WEAK

beat about cast about chase after go in quest of go over with a fine-tooth comb gun for leave no stone unturned look for look high and low look over poke into run down shake down smell around track down turn inside out turn upside down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ignore neglect overlook

STRONG

cover

WEAK

find

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.

"No student should have to rifle through drawers looking for a crumpled certificate when they're preparing for a job interview," Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith said.

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026

The last time the bear left was Sunday, he said, to rifle through his trash cans for 20 minutes before returning to the crawl space.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2025

If that weren’t enough, the government then sent agents to rifle through her car and search her belongings.

From Slate • Oct. 27, 2025

People rifle through the wardrobes for any clothing worth taking and examine the bathroom fixtures.

From New York Times • Jul. 10, 2022

“I’m not going to let you or anyone rifle through my bag.”

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

rifle through

Example Sentences

Related Words