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.

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

All of Bezos’ wealth and all of Amazon’s lobbying muscle did not prevent federal agents from rifling through his employee’s home.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 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

When she wasn’t glued to her phone, she was rifling through the racks at thrift stores or ordering Hello Kitty memorabilia online.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

Nailer kept rifling through the food as Lucky Girl disappeared down the hillside.

From "Ship Breaker" by Paolo Bacigalupi