as in finding
to come upon after searching, study, or effort
she tried to dig up any information she could for the report on sharks
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Recent Examples of digging up
Plant division is the simple act of digging up plants, separating them into smaller pieces, and replanting divisions in the garden.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026
When combined with a physical barrier, natural repellents can help keep squirrels from digging up bulbs.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 20 Apr. 2026
People revel in the nostalgia of ten or twenty or thirty years ago by digging up old photos and posting them—photos from birthday parties or career milestones or from a moment spent sitting under the final sparks of daylight on a beach.
—Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
The networks will have no trouble digging up clips, from Wayne Cashman and Jim Schoenfeld fighting their way through the Zamboni door at the Aud in 1972, to Brad Park’s Game 7 overtime winner in 1983, to Brad May’s OT winner to complete the Sabres’ improbable sweep of the B’s in 1993.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 17 Apr. 2026
The only way to eliminate it from the garden is by digging up its tuber, which can grow several feet long and weigh as much as 200 pound.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026
With the thieves and vandals digging up gravestones and stealing plaques made of precious metals, Bishop has spent an extraordinary amount of money on repairs, security and maintenance.
—Nicole Comstock, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
Johnny Heredia expects to spend an upcoming summer digging up pipes at Chase Avenue Elementary School.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
In 2009, employees Burr Oak Cemetery employees were accused of digging up old graves, emptying their remains in various locations around the grounds, then reselling the burial plots to newly grieving families.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2026
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026
When combined with a physical barrier, natural repellents can help keep squirrels from digging up bulbs.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 20 Apr. 2026
People revel in the nostalgia of ten or twenty or thirty years ago by digging up old photos and posting them—photos from birthday parties or career milestones or from a moment spent sitting under the final sparks of daylight on a beach.
—Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
The networks will have no trouble digging up clips, from Wayne Cashman and Jim Schoenfeld fighting their way through the Zamboni door at the Aud in 1972, to Brad Park’s Game 7 overtime winner in 1983, to Brad May’s OT winner to complete the Sabres’ improbable sweep of the B’s in 1993.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 17 Apr. 2026
The only way to eliminate it from the garden is by digging up its tuber, which can grow several feet long and weigh as much as 200 pound.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026
With the thieves and vandals digging up gravestones and stealing plaques made of precious metals, Bishop has spent an extraordinary amount of money on repairs, security and maintenance.
—Nicole Comstock, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
Johnny Heredia expects to spend an upcoming summer digging up pipes at Chase Avenue Elementary School.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
In 2009, employees Burr Oak Cemetery employees were accused of digging up old graves, emptying their remains in various locations around the grounds, then reselling the burial plots to newly grieving families.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for digging up
Verb
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In September 2024, Judge Delia Trevino dismissed the murder count, finding that prosecutors had failed to clearly establish the fatal shot came from Henderson’s gun, let alone disprove a self-defense theory.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
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Steyer would do this in part by reworking the complicated affordable housing finance system to better use public money and attract more private capital, while finding ways to add housing on public lands.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
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The building will have a gym, a gross motor room with play equipment for the youngest students, a two-story library with reading nooks, a learning hub able to accommodate two classes at a time, and an outdoor area with patio furniture.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
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Dex’s focus on AI software developers and machine learning engineers has helped the company win over a clutch of high-profile recruiting leaders.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Tong was in possession of multiple bags, which officers later searched through after obtaining a search warrant, discovering several bottles containing substances commonly used in the manufacture of meth, according to the outlet.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026
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The incident led to city officials discovering that the fire hydrant pressure had not been tested in over 10 years despite industry standards suggesting they be tested every five years, Pernerewski said at the time.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Analyses for both bills cite reporting by KFF Health News that found family members and attorneys have faced extreme difficulty locating and supporting patients hospitalized while in immigration custody.—
Claudia Boyd Barrett,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Police were unsuccessful in locating Chance following the incident.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Griffin recalls the moment Ahead of his debut, Griffin met with reporters to discuss his career up to this point, the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, and finding out he was getting promoted to the Big Leagues.—
Patrick Damp,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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But for Hall, the convoluted process of finding out about the ectopic pregnancy, and then undergoing emergency surgery, added layers to her pain.—
Emily Brindley
Health Reporter,
Dallas Morning News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The New York Times, citing US intelligence reports, said Iranian personnel have been digging out underground missile bunkers and silos struck by American and Israeli bombs and returning them to operation hours after attacks.—
Arsalan Shahla,
Fortune,
4 Apr. 2026
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Bjorn himself was stationed at the guest car park, digging out every single car and clearing them of snow.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In February 2025, Hathaway and Hartnett were spotted filming Verity in New York City, photographed running down the street while wearing semi-formal attire and holding hands.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
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Tuesday’s game ended with defensive replacement Will Benson, acquired in exchange for Hajjar ahead of the 2023 season, running down a long drive by San Francisco’s Daniel Susac to secure the victory.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Plane tickets are getting pricier After jumping to $209 a barrel in early April, the global price of jet fuel eased last week to around $179, still well above the roughly $99 at the end of February.—
Mae Anderson,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
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Since getting sober, Holland's life has been a whirlwind.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Digging up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/digging%20up. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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