analyse, analyze, examine, study, canvass, canvas - consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning; "analyze a sonnet by Shakespeare"; "analyze the evidence in a criminal trial"; "analyze your real motives"

explore, research, search - inquire into

explore - travel to or penetrate into; "explore unknown territory in biology"

probe, examine - question or examine thoroughly and closely

research - attempt to find out in a systematically and scientific manner; "The student researched the history of that word"

experiment - to conduct a test or investigation; "We are experimenting with the new drug in order to fight this disease"

spy - secretly collect sensitive or classified information; engage in espionage; "spy for the Russians"

probe, examine - question or examine thoroughly and closely