scrounge
10 synonyms for scrounge, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To search for or obtain something, especially by asking others or making do with what is available.
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.
How to use scrounge
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
scrounge up
scrounge for food
scrounge some cash
Informal.
Etymology
Emerged around 1915 as a variant of a dialect word for prying about or pilfering; it was popularized by soldiers during the First World War.
Full origin of scrounge →Frequently asked questions
What does “scrounge” mean?
The word “scrounge” means to search for or obtain something, especially by asking others or making do with what is available. In plain terms, to find or get something by resourceful, often opportunistic means.
How do you pronounce “scrounge”?
“Scrounge” is pronounced SKROWNJ (/ˈskɹaʊ̯nd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “scrounge” in a sentence?
Here is “scrounge” used in a sentence: “We scrounged some firewood from the campsite next door.”
What is another word for “scrounge”?
Words with a similar meaning to “scrounge” include beg, bum, mump, scunge, tap and wheedle.
What part of speech is “scrounge”?
Depending on how it is used, “scrounge” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “scrounge” come from?
The word “scrounge” dates back to around 1915. Emerged around 1915 as a variant of a dialect word for prying about or pilfering; it was popularized by soldiers during the First World War.
How many meanings does “scrounge” have?
“Scrounge” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to search for or obtain something, especially by asking others or making do with what is available.
