Herborize refers to the act of collecting or studying plants, particularly in their natural habitat. There are a few similar words that could be used instead of herborize, such as botanize, which is similar in meaning but more specific to the study of plants. Another synonym is gather, as it refers to the act of collecting something. Explore could be another synonym, as it implies the act of observing and investigating something. Finally, investigate is also a possible synonym, as it implies the study and analysis of something in depth. All of these words capture the essence of herborize, but each has a slightly different connotation.