DREDGING Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

dredging

verb

present participle of dredge

as in searching

to look through (as a place) carefully or thoroughly in an effort to find or discover something I've been dredging my memory bank, and I simply can't remember her name

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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 dredging While retracing his route, revisiting photos, and dredging her memories for clues to his distress, Lotte encounters dangers and pushes her limits. — Monitor Reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026 Most of the gold bullion aboard the Fort Stikine was lost, but dredging operations in the harbor have continued to unearth some of these bricks, including as recently as 2011. — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Aug. 2026 The Trust says the project would involve dredging around 643,000 cubic meters of sediment from the Fal Estuary, with potential risks to seagrass, kelp, maerl beds and the area’s native oyster fishery. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 For the best results, make sure to pat the meat completely dry before dredging so the coating will stick. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 July 2026 The agency is now encouraging ports to pay for the initial step in a process that includes studying, obtaining permits and dredging trade waterways. — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 19 May 2026 One of the reasons cited is the need for dredging the marina entrance to Lake Michigan. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026 In the legend, Yu, a heroic figure, saved Chinese civilization from decades of devastating floods by dredging rivers and waterways. — Literary Hub, 15 Dec. 2025 Pickleball courts, golf course to remain open Plans for the project include dredging the lake, repairing the concrete and foundation at the dam, and replacing a culvert near Flatwoods Road Cove with a bridge. — Jolene Almendarez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dredging

Verb

Smith, who spends hours signing and searching for professional basketball and hockey players, has noticed a slight shift in their mindsets.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
The then-53-year-old Highsmith had no idea she’d been kidnapped or that her family had spent decades searching for her.

— Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of searching

Verb

Unusual states at edges The team examined its molecular assembly using a scanning tunneling microscope.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
Visit during opening hours to control the lights and playlist by scanning a QR code — and on Halloween play carnival games in the garage.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of scanning

Verb

Emergency crews in Florida and Alabama are surveying damage wrought by Hurricane Isaias, after the storm bashed into the Gulf Coast as a Category 2 storm Friday night.

— Bill Chappell, NPR, 10 Oct. 2026
The three-time NBA MVP stood behind a gaggle of teammates squished up against the CU bench, quietly surveying the madness from the 15-yard line while twisting the cap of his bottled water.

— Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of surveying

Verb

Police arrested him again in April 2023 and started combing through the forest more systematically and exhuming mass graves.

— Jefferson Kahinju Reuters, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
Stocks, the OneLegacy nurse, realized OPOs have data that could help patients advocate for themselves, and started combing records.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of combing

Verb

The fact-finding report will be made public 10 days after it is provided to the CSU and CFA.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Cleaning graves grew in popularity during the pandemic The trend was particularly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic as people searched for safe hobbies, finding connections over death during a pandemic.

— Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of finding

Verb

Hartford has a leaf disposal system that includes raking to the curb and brown bag pick ups, as well as leaf bag drop off with a city permit.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
Instead of raking or blowing leaves, invest in a mulching mower and let the leaf fragments stay in place to break down over time and benefit the lawn.

— Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2026