fathom

Definition of fathomnext
as in to plumb
to measure the depth of (as a body of water) typically with a weighted line the pilot had to continually fathom the river, which drought conditions had lowered to unprecedented levels

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of fathom Many have used numbers and moral philosophy to fathom the vileness of slavery in America, for example. Literary Hub, 8 Apr. 2026 For starters, even though federal law requires hospitals to list their prices publicly, fathoming these files is almost impossible. Rufina Chow, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026 Reed still can’t fathom the final stat line from the first round. Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 1 Apr. 2026 Unfortunately, the prospect of sacrificing life’s comforts to achieve and live in Lean FIRE, or even FIRE, is too much for some to fathom. Carlos Grider, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fathom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fathom
Verb
  • The second floor is plumbed for an additional full bathroom while the third floor is partially finished with additional plumbing.
    Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2026
  • This policy helps cover the cost of repairing and replacing devices and systems essential to your home, from HVAC to plumbing to refrigeration.
    Caroline Ernst, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • An entrepreneur can launch and scale with far less infrastructure.
    Bruce Broussard, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Additionally, as the industry continues to scale, another concern begins to take shape, centered on the nature of the connection between patient and provider.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Prolific animator, writer and producer Mike Judge, co-creator of King of the Hill and creator of Beavis and Butt-Head, will be recognized for a career spanning more than three decades and his role in shaping adult animation.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Because the incident spanned two jurisdictions, Pennsylvania State Police troopers from the Butler barracks have been called to take over the investigation.
    Mike Darnay, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fathom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fathom. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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