rifling

[rahy-fling] / ˈraɪ flɪŋ /

VERB

ransack

Synonyms

STRONGEST

rip

STRONG

burglarize burgle despoil grab gut loot pillage plunder rob rummage sack strip take trash waste

WEAK

go through rip off smash and grab tip over

Antonyms

STRONG

build give offer protect receive save

WEAK

order organize

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.

Who better to tell the tale of the city than the man who has spent years rifling through its junk?

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

In any other part of civilized society, rifling through someone else’s diary is considered an outrageous invasion of privacy.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

French superstar Mbappe had a goal ruled out for handball moments before Morocco international Ounahi fired Girona ahead, rifling home from just inside the area to stun their illustrious visitors.

From Barron's • Nov. 30, 2025

Detectives described rifling through her garbage bins for leftovers, doctors outlined the gradual but brutal decline of the victims' health, and Patterson's estranged husband emotionally explained the souring nature of their relationship.

From BBC • Jul. 7, 2025

Gabi starts on one as I open up another and start rifling through it.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler