Synonyms for

Sought

Verb / sɔ:t / Another word for sought — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to seek or search for something

Synonyms & similar words

assay try essay search attempt lookfor seek soughtafter searched hunted pursued scouted delved explored ferreted foraged grubbed inquired probed pried rooted scrabbled scraped rummaged unearthed sifted

Synonyms by register

Formal

pursued searched for investigated endeavored

Informal

looked for went after chased hunted

Literary

wooed quested craved

Antonyms

found discovered obtained received acquired located unlooked-for

Common collocations

  • sought after
  • sought refuge
  • sought help
  • sought employment
  • sought permission
  • sought to
  • sought justice

Word family

noun seeking
verb seek
adjective sought-after

Usage note

Sought is the past tense and past participle of 'seek'. It implies actively looking for or trying to obtain something. It is often used in formal contexts.

Example sentences

  1. I sought help from my teacher to solve the math problem.
  2. She sought advice from her friends before making a decision.
  3. The detective sought clues to solve the mystery.
  4. The bird sought shelter from the rain under a tree.
  5. The cat sought to catch the mouse in the house.

Quotes

  • Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.
  • The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle.
  • We are not retreating - we are advancing in another direction.

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