Synonyms for

Rooting

Verb / ˈru:tɪŋ / Another word for rooting — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to cheer for a sports team or to search for something by digging in the ground

Synonyms & similar words

settle settledown takeroot rootle root rout steadydown cheering applauding encouraging searching digging scavenging exploring hunting foraging investigating prospecting pursuing sifting questing delving ferreting rummaging scrabbling rummaging scratching

Synonyms by register

Formal

investigating examining scrutinizing probing

Informal

digging checking out looking into poking around

Literary

delving exploring unearthing

Antonyms

ceasing stopping ending halting abandoning desisting

Common collocations

  • rooting for a team
  • rooting out corruption
  • rooting around the garden
  • rooting through the trash
  • rooting for success
  • rooting out pests
  • rooting for the underdog

Word family

noun root
verb root
adjective rooted
adverb rootedly

Usage note

The verb 'root' has two main meanings: to search or rummage (often informally) and to support or cheer for (also informal). Be mindful of context to distinguish between these uses.

Example sentences

  1. I am rooting for you to get an A on your test.
  2. The pig was rooting through the dirt for truffles.
  3. We were all rooting for our home team to win the championship.
  4. The archaeologist was rooting through the ancient ruins for artifacts.
  5. The dog was rooting in the garden for buried bones.

Quotes

  • The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet. - Aristotle
  • If you really want to do something, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse. - Jim Rohn
  • Root deep, rise strong. - Unknown

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