Formal:
* Investigated: Implies a more thorough and systematic search.
* Examined: Focuses on looking at something closely.
* Scrutinized: Suggests a careful and detailed search.
* Explored: Implies a broader search, possibly with the intention of finding something new.
* Queried: Used when referring to a search for information.
Informal:
* Looked for: Simple and straightforward.
* Hunted: Suggests a determined and persistent search.
* Scoured: Implies a comprehensive and exhaustive search.
* Googled: Specific to online searching.
* Checked out: Used when referring to looking at something with interest.
Other options:
* Probed: Used when referring to a search for something hidden or secret.
* Sought: Used when referring to a search for a specific thing or person.
* Traced: Used when referring to a search for the origin of something.
* Discovered: Used when referring to a search that resulted in finding something.
Examples:
* "The police searched the house for evidence." (Investigated, examined, scrutinized)
* "I searched the internet for information on the topic." (Queried, Googled)
* "The team searched for a solution to the problem." (Looked for, hunted, scoured)
The best word to use will depend on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.