Definitions

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

And rifling marks on its driving band confirm it had been fired.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

Jovic stuck the knife in with four minutes remaining, rifling home a powerful low finish which gave the hosts a margin of victory which didn't truly reflect the balance of play.

From Barron's • Jan. 25, 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

I set the candle on the desk and yanked open drawers, rifling through the contents.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros