digging

Definition of diggingnext
present participle of dig
1
as in excavating
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 digging Directed by Don Prod, the clip tracks the British rapper driving an old Aston Martin, drinking whiskey, and literally digging his own grave. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 12 Feb. 2026 And honestly, who enjoys digging through mostly empty bottles just to find one tiny pill? Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026 Russia has been seen modernizing its nuclear facilities, and in recent years, China has expanded its main test site by digging new tunnels. Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 11 Feb. 2026 Further, after investigating a property next door, deputies also believe Seagraves had allegedly started digging a mine. Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026 Sports are about digging deep to find the best in yourself. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026 Work has been ongoing since the feds first froze funds in October, with a massive tunnel-boring machine standing by, ready to start digging through bedrock under Jersey City. Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2026 Prepare the soil by digging a shallow trench and sprinkling compost along the trench base. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2026 Armando Escobedo, an electrician for the city, was on his knees, digging through loose wiring next to a massive light stanchion overseeing the field. Sam Blum, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for digging
Verb
  • This method uses directional drilling technology to place waste hundreds of meters underground within stable geological formations rather than excavating large tunnels in a mine.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
  • While excavating the River Wear, archaeologists uncovered more than 800 whetstones — stone tools that were used to sharpen weapons and other tools — as well as 11 stone anchors believed to be linked to river transport.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In the middle of it all, songwriter Diane Warren paused to take a selfie, still evidently enjoying the giddy thrill of being in a room full of fellow hopefuls even after 17 times.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Although quantifying morale and momentum is hard, by the end of 2025, the Democrats were enjoying an upturn in both.
    Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The level of supervision gives parents a chance to rest easy, knowing that their kids are in good hands.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Typical zero-knowledge proofs require a demonstration of how to build what’s called a simulator, which can re-create the steps of the proof without actually knowing the secret solution.
    Peter Hall, Scientific American, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The Telltale Signs of Rotary Motion The re-examination revealed unmistakable evidence that this was no simple awl meant for poking holes.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Garlic is a kitchen staple for many, but spotting a green sprout poking out of a clove can raise questions about food safety.
    Caitlin Beale, Health, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • After all, any chance to save a few dollars is one worth savoring.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Despite the grind of an NFL career, Jarrett is savoring life as a dad.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 25 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Health care professionals are now caught between deciphering new legislation and their duty to provide quality care.
    Eleanor Sobel, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
  • As an avalanche and dead bodies ratchet up the suspense, Zach must lean on his mother’s wisdom to fight for his life while deciphering a confusing undercurrent of danger, violence and betrayal among the survivors.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Mohammed Ahmad Hussein al-Halsi was sentenced in 2016 to 18 years behind bars for stabbing elderly women.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Another Jefferson County circuit judge, Jessica Green, last year drew local and national criticism after granting shock probation to a 32-year-old man accused of abducting a mother and two children and stabbing the mother during a bank robbery.
    Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Hašek is athletic royalty in the small, hockey-loving country in central Europe.
    Jesse Granger, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Volkswagen’s The Force, 2011 Just try to resist smiling while watching this adorable Volkswagen commercial, which combines youthful ambition and some loving sleight of hand.
    Vogue, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Digging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/digging. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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