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 Spanish credited her with ferreting out plots against them and helping to recruit Indigenous warriors to Cortés’ ranks.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From The Wall Street Journal

The modern discipline of psychology would ferret out the private motives of regular and refined collectors alike.

From The Wall Street Journal

We will ferret out students who protest against my policies.

From Salon

Taylor ferrets out the secret with her bloodthirsty relentlessness and immediately raises pandemonium.

From Los Angeles Times