Another Word for Find: 17 Synonyms with Examples
To find is to discover something by looking or by chance, or to reach a conclusion. Alternatives show how the finding happened.
As a verb: discover by searching
- locate
- track down
- discover
- uncover
- come across
- unearth
- trace
As a verb: learn or conclude
As a verb: get or obtain
- get
- obtain
- secure
- acquire
- gain
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- locate
- Finds the exact position of something.
- track down
- Finds after a long or difficult search.
- come across
- Finds by chance.
- unearth
- Finds something hidden or forgotten.
- discover
- Finds out something new or unknown.
- establish
- Finds out and proves a fact.
Example sentences
- locate: The app helps you locate the nearest charging point.
- track down: She finally tracked down a copy of the out-of-print book.
- come across: I came across an old photo while tidying the loft.
- unearth: Builders unearthed a Roman coin in the garden.
- discover: We discovered that the café opens on Sundays now.
- establish: The review established that the rules had been followed.
Opposite of find
- lose
- misplace
- miss
- overlook
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “find”. Check the meaning before you use one.
verb: happen, chance, bump, encounter, detect, observe, notice, regain, ascertain
noun: discovery
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “find”?
The most useful alternatives are “locate”, “track down”, “discover”, “uncover”, “come across”. For the main sense (discover by searching), “locate” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “locate” and “track down”?
locate: Finds the exact position of something. track down: Finds after a long or difficult search.
What is the opposite of “find”?
Common antonyms are “lose”, “misplace”, “miss”, “overlook”.