DUG Synonyms: 133 Similar and Opposite Words

dug

verb

Definition of dug next

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 Westfall ordered hay online, and dug a pit for a shallow pool so Rex could soak. —

Alina Hartounian, NPR, 18 May 2026 As Howard dug through the archives and interviewed subjects for his new documentary on the renowned American photographer, the bolt of recognition hit him more than once. —

Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 18 May 2026 But there’s one thing the 3 million fans expected to flock to the city won’t see — the sites where hundreds of bodies have been found in clandestine graves dug by Mexico’s notorious New Generation Jalisco Cartel. —

Steve Fisher, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026 On her third match point, Svitolina dug a ball out of the corner, chased one down near the service line, then charged the net and blocked the final ball past Gauff with a desperation stab. —

Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 16 May 2026 In 2023, a cadaver dog alerted to topsoil near where the patio had been built in the home’s backyard, but as authorities dug deeper, the dog stopped picking up the scent, law enforcement sources said. —

Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026 Crews also dug at the home in 2023. —

Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 13 May 2026 The Princess Royal, 75, wasn't even bothered when Vegas's owner, Kate Wilson, apologetically pointed out that the restless pup had dug a few holes in the palace lawn. —

Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026 Derek Patten dug through the crates at Hardy Boys Records in Charlotte, looking for rare vinyl treasures. —

Chase Jordan updated May 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dug

Verb

Koungoulos and Doyle excavated the bones only after Quayle had performed a smoking ceremony over the grave, which involves passing smoke over the grave and the bones as a form of spiritual cleansing.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 18 May 2026
The Suez Canal, however, is an artificial waterway excavated through Egyptian territory, while the Strait of Hormuz is a naturally occurring strait governed by a different legal framework, according to an international law expert.

— Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 17 May 2026