Seek — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈsēk/

Meaning & Definition of Seek

Seek (verb)

  1. to resort to, go to
  2. to go in search of, look for
  3. to try to discover

Seek (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to go in search of

    "Henry Hudson was set adrift by mutinous crewmen while seeking the Northwest Passage to the Pacific Ocean"

    similar: cast about (for), cast around (for), chase (down), forage (for), hunt, look up, pursue, quest, search (for or out), shop (for), look for
    related: ferret (out), root (out)
    near: hide, lose, ignore, neglect

  2. to make a request for

    "came seeking financial advice"

    similar: ask (for), bespeak, call (for), desire, plead (for), quest, request, solicit, speak (for), sue (for)
    related: apply (for), beg (for), claim, clamor (for), importune, urge, wish (for), demand, enjoin, exact, insist (on), petition (for), press (for), require, requisition, invite, invoke

  3. to make an effort to do

    "seek to find the best solution"

    similar: assay, attempt, endeavor, essay, strive, try, have a go at, shoot at, try one's hand (at)
    related: fight, strain, struggle, toil, trouble, work, aim, aspire, hope, assume, take up, undertake
    near: drop, give up, quit

Related Entry: Seek (out) (verb)

Seek (out) is a different word from Seek. The synonyms below are for seek (out), not for seek.

  1. as in look up

    similar: look up, call (on or upon), drop in (on), see, visit, drop by
    opposite: brush (aside or off), cold-shoulder, ignore, snub

  2. as in look, reach

    similar: cast about, hunt, look, reach, grabble, capture, clutch, corral, get, grab, nab, nail, seize, snatch, feel, fish, fumble, grope, scrabble, comb, dig (through), dredge, rake, ransack, rifle, rummage, scour

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Seek

The most common words with a similar meaning to Seek:

cast about (for), cast around (for), chase (down), forage (for), hunt, look up, pursue, quest, search (for or out), shop (for), ask (for), bespeak, call (for), desire, plead (for), request, solicit, speak (for), sue (for), assay, attempt, endeavor, essay, strive, try, look for, have a go at, shoot at, try one's hand (at)

Related Words for Seek

ferret (out), root (out), apply (for), beg (for), claim, clamor (for), importune, urge, wish (for), demand, enjoin, exact, insist (on), petition (for), press (for), require, requisition, invite, invoke, fight, strain, struggle, toil, trouble, work, aim, aspire, hope, assume, take up

Near Antonyms of Seek

hide, lose, ignore, neglect, drop, give up, quit

Word Forms of Seek

Inflections: sought, seeking

Derived words: seeker (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Seek

Middle English seken, from Old English sēcan; akin to Old High German suohhen to seek, Latin sagus prophetic, Greek hēgeisthai to lead

First known use: before 12th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Seek

Words & Phrases Containing Seek

seek compensation, seek damages, seek one's fortune, seek out, seek revenge for, hide-and-seek, hide-and-go-seek, take/find/seek refuge

Frequently Asked Questions about Seek

What does "Seek" mean?

"Seek" means to resort to, go to. As a verb, it is defined as: to resort to, go to. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Seek"?

Other words for "Seek" include cast about (for), cast around (for), chase (down), forage (for), hunt, look up, pursue and quest. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Seek" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Seek"?

There are 60 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Seek". Common alternatives include cast about (for), cast around (for), chase (down), forage (for), hunt, look up, pursue, quest, search (for or out) and shop (for).

How do you use "Seek" in a sentence?

Examples of "Seek" in a sentence: "Henry Hudson was set adrift by mutinous crewmen while seeking the Northwest Passage to the Pacific Ocean"; "came seeking financial advice"; "seek to find the best solution".

Is "Seek" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Seek" is a verb.

Is "Seek" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Seek" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Seek"?

"Seek" is pronounced /ˈsēk/.

What is the origin of the word "Seek"?

"Seek" comes from Middle English seken, from Old English sēcan; akin to Old High German suohhen to seek, Latin sagus prophetic, Greek hēgeisthai to lead. First known use: before 12th centuryt.