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
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Recent Examples of comb
The horror campers endured became clear as responders combed the flood zone.
—
Michelle Krupa, CNN Money, 7 July 2025
Anne tested three pairs of hiking shorts herself and combed through detailed testing insights to compile this list of the best women’s hiking shorts.
—Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2025
But combing the documents of political enemies looking for pretexts to call fraud is chilling.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
The event is the culmination of a monthslong production by wedding planners and, very likely, by teams of lawyers who have combed through the couple’s complex finances to create an ironclad prenuptial agreement.
—Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for comb
Michelle Krupa, CNN Money, 7 July 2025
Anne tested three pairs of hiking shorts herself and combed through detailed testing insights to compile this list of the best women’s hiking shorts.
—Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2025
But combing the documents of political enemies looking for pretexts to call fraud is chilling.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
The event is the culmination of a monthslong production by wedding planners and, very likely, by teams of lawyers who have combed through the couple’s complex finances to create an ironclad prenuptial agreement.
—Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for comb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comb
Verb
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Authorities searched the Chatfield Reservoir for a missing paddleboarder Monday evening.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
8 July 2025
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As rescuers search for people by air, land and water, officials are warning those in central Texas that the flooding threat is not over.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
7 July 2025
Verb
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Opposing hitters are raking at .380 at sea level, versus .332 in the shadow of those mountain peaks.—
Jayson Stark,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
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When seeding bare areas or reseeding, cover the seed with a very thin layer of soil, approximately 1/8 inch thick, by gently raking the area after spreading seeds.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
12 June 2025
Verb
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Scientists have found a new way to cheat the system – which is both ingenious and disturbing.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
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As a 17-year-old, Gena Sims found inspiration while taking care of her sister.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Comb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comb. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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