as in to search
to look through (as a place) carefully or thoroughly in an effort to find or discover something
combed the library for the missing book
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 comb
Use marabou jigs, jigs tipped with one- to two-inch minnows and spoons for combing these deeper areas.
—
John Phillips, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026
While combing through coral, Harasti spotted a unique and wholly unfamiliar creature swimming through the water.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 May 2026
For some subjects, that means combing an archive.
—Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Subsequent years also are being combed, but there seems to be an ongoing delay in the 2025 report.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for comb
John Phillips, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026
While combing through coral, Harasti spotted a unique and wholly unfamiliar creature swimming through the water.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 May 2026
For some subjects, that means combing an archive.
—Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Subsequent years also are being combed, but there seems to be an ongoing delay in the 2025 report.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for comb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comb
Verb
-
Maton has been wrestling with his curveball grip all season and continues to search for consistency.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
-
To hear the full episode, subscribe through iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app (include the forward slashes when searching).—
Fiction Non Fiction,
Literary Hub,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Incorporate and Water On bare soil, lightly rake the fertilizer into the top inch.—
Rachel Silva,
Martha Stewart,
17 May 2026
-
Just avoid raking clover seed after planting as this covers the seeds with too much soil and reduces germination rates.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Now, a new study suggests researchers may have found the first drug regimen capable of rapid and sustaining relief from suicidal thoughts across a broad group of patients.—
Ariana Eunjung Cha,
Washington Post,
19 May 2026
-
Minutes later, police also responded to the 3800 block of Salerno Street where, inside, officers found the two suspects dead.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Comb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comb. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
