scour
4 synonyms and 4 antonyms for scour, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To clean something thoroughly by rubbing it hard, often with an abrasive.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use scour
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
scour the pots
scour the internet
scour the area
Etymology
From Middle English scǒuren, probably borrowed from Dutch or Low German words meaning to clean or polish, ultimately traced back to a Latin verb meaning \"to clean off.\"
Full origin of scour →Frequently asked questions
What does “scour” mean?
The word “scour” means to clean something thoroughly by rubbing it hard, often with an abrasive. In plain terms, to clean vigorously by scrubbing, or to search somewhere thoroughly.
How do you pronounce “scour”?
“Scour” is pronounced SKOW-uh (/ˈskaʊɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “scour” in a sentence?
Here is “scour” used in a sentence: “She scoured the burnt pan until it shone.”
What part of speech is “scour”?
Depending on how it is used, “scour” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “scour” come from?
The word “scour” comes from Latin. From Middle English scǒuren, probably borrowed from Dutch or Low German words meaning to clean or polish, ultimately traced back to a Latin verb meaning \"to clean off.\".
How many meanings does “scour” have?
“Scour” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to clean something thoroughly by rubbing it hard, often with an abrasive.
