DUG Synonyms: 133 Similar and Opposite Words

dug

verb

Definition of dug

past tense of dig

as in excavated

to hollow out or form (something) by removing earth a backhoe dug a hole in the backyard to make a swimming pool

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in enjoyed

to take pleasure in I really dig bluegrass music

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in knew

to have a clear idea of can you dig what I'm saying?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in poked

to urge or push forward with or as if with a pointed object every time I slowed down, he'd dig me in the ribs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 dug The music on Uncle feels innate, as if Funkhouser had dug these songs out from deep within the crawlspace in his brain. — Jeff Yerger, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026 After a slow start dug a 24-point hole, the Falcons marched within one possession late, but still fell short. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Investigators have dug about three feet deep, layer by layer, according to CBS News. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 16 Oct. 2026 With his curiosity piqued, Rabtsevich dug through the TESS archives for more data on the same star and found an additional 22 instances of dimming. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026 But Smith also failed to respect how dangerous and dug-in the Brewers are. — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 Her mother dug her out from under debris and Sasha remained in a coma for 15 days. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026 Fifteen yards into his route, James dug inside, turned to catch the pass from Zabransky, and took a little jab step upfield as four Oklahoma defenders closed in. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 3 Oct. 2026 The Nepal National Mountain Guide Association, which is leading the search, said rescuers dug through snow on Mount Himlung to find eight bodies in tents at the base camp, where one person remains missing. — ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dug

Verb

When decades-old music or books are excavated and celebrated — lately a common occurrence amid the retromania of our culture industry — the artists are often long gone.

— Jack Denton, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
The limestone sarcophagus was discovered in 1820 and officially excavated in 1869 from what is now a grassy strip along the north side of the abbey’s nave.

— Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of excavated

Verb

Areas away from Chesapeake Bay have enjoyed abundant sunshine Thursday with a refreshing breeze and highs around 70°.

— Steven Sosna, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
His youthful face belies his ability to play in one of the most demanding positions on the field, defensive midfield, a spot usually reserved for senior professionals who’ve enjoyed decades of experience.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of enjoyed

Verb

The state’s rebuttal witness testified that Hinton was grieving and angry but knew his actions were wrong.

— Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026
After all, very few people outside of the inner A24-Fielder-Oppenheim circle knew anything about it before its shock Telluride screening.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of knew

Verb

Kessler, standing nearby during Williams’ postgame news conference, poked his head out from behind a black curtain and gave his teammate a thumbs-up.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Already poked, the league bear hasn’t exactly gone into hibernation, either.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of poked

Verb

On the other side is Gadi Eisenkot, a centrist former military chief who is temperate and broadly liked but lacks the political instincts to become a clear favorite.

— Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
Restless and frustrated fans, many of whom never liked the hiring of football coach Sonny Dykes to replace Gary Patterson in the first place, would prefer the school start the process of looking for a new head coach five minutes ago.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of liked

Verb

Here’s your insider rundown on what the inspectors loved at Charlotte’s newest spots in the Michelin Guide — and how to actually get in the door.

— Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026
But Seville must not only be loved, it also must be protected from the onslaught of mass tourism.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of loved

Browse Nearby Words

duffs

dug

dug (away)

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Style

“Dug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dug. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of dug

verb

Example Sentences

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