RUMMAGING Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

rummaging

verb

present participle of rummage

as in finding

to come upon after searching, study, or effort at the last minute she rummaged a costume from the attic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in searching

to look through (as a place) carefully or thoroughly in an effort to find or discover something he rummaged the desk drawer trying to find the spare keys

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 rummaging As a result, Miami is rummaging the waiver wire for linebackers who can help them make it through practice and the third preseason game, which is Friday night at home against the Atlanta Falcons. — Omar Kelly august 24, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026 A couple's anniversary getaway took a wild turn when a bear strolled into a Gatlinburg tea shop and began rummaging through merchandise before suddenly jumping onto the counter in a startling encounter caught on video. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026 There have been multiple reports of a female bear and cubs rummaging in dumpsters, the agency said. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026 Instead of rummaging through a pile of clothes to find one item, everything stays neatly separated and easy to access. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2026 Madonna is, like Paul McCartney this year, animated by rummaging through her own vaults. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 6 July 2026 The internal zip pocket kept small valuables, such as my passport, Kindle, and lip balm, accessible without need for rummaging. — Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 July 2026 His parents were rummaging around upstairs somewhere. — Tim Rohan, NBC news, 25 June 2026 The cross-stitch border gives this kilim rug the feel of an heirloom piece–without the effort of rummaging through an estate sale. — Briana Feigon, Architectural Digest, 17 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rummaging

Verb

That has carried over in our approach to blocking and camera work, and finding ways to avoid cutting if at all possible.

— Brent Lang, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026
Thomas Edison wrote about a bug in the call apparatus of his telephone in a letter in 1878, and the Pall Mall Gazette ran a story in 1889 referencing Edison finding a bug in his phonograph.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of finding

Verb

While searching for a message to share with his team this week, Frost found inspiration from the handful of games that were played this weekend as part of Week 0.

— Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
The farm alleges an officer in Polk County shot the donkey while searching for a missing person without permission or warning, according to the Facebook post.

— Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of searching

Verb

Take a breather by the beach, where days are made for lingering on golden sands, discovering hidden coves, and relaxing to the tune of the rolling Mediterranean tide.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
Europe continues to be an incredible source of inspiration for our design team, from collecting vintage and sourcing fabrics and prints to discovering local markets, artisans and craftsmanship.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of discovering

Verb

Thankfully, a member of the team—a former hotel front desk employee who, after learning about the team’s project, offered to quit his job and do their business development—wouldn’t take no for an answer.

— Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2026
Ghostface initially appeared to believe Thomas wanted an autograph before learning the artwork was a gift.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of learning

Verb

New South Wales police shared a photo of Gallagher, 28, and asked the public for help locating him.

— Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026
Hawthorne has seen a revival in recent years, thanks in part to SpaceX locating its headquarters there and the booming sports and entertainment complexes to the north in Inglewood.

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of locating

Verb

Yankees fans might be getting flashbacks of Boone’s defense for Anthony Volpe, who similarly faded into inconsistency after emerging as the apparent heir to the franchise’s shortstop role.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
And with 11 billion tons of freight moved by truck in 2024, the stakes of getting safety right extend far beyond the competition floor.

— Alice Barlow, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of getting

Browse Nearby Words

rummage sales

rummaging

rummies

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Style

“Rummaging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rummaging. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of rummaging

verb

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