DETECTS Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

detects

verb

present tense third-person singular of detect

as in finds

to come upon after searching, study, or effort I can detect just a hint of lemon in the soup

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of detects The software automatically detects common problems, such as low speaker volume, and prompts you to fix them in a single click. — Chris Hoffman, PC Magazine, 31 July 2026 When a camera detects a matching plate, the system can alert officers. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 DutchBoy detects unusual sensor spikes associated with those events and alerts engineers before defects occur. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026 The technique detects the location, orientation and breakpoints of duplications and rearrangements. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 This brings up a live feed from a rear-view camera whenever the bike's radar detects traffic approaching from behind. — New Atlas, 18 July 2026 The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory telescope, known simply as Swift and launched in 2004, detects some of the most powerful explosions in the Universe. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 9 July 2026 Acoem also says its technology detects specific sounds, not conversations. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026 At the heart of the device is a neutron scintillator, which detects all incoming neutrons and protons. — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 8 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detects

Verb

Ormund, who has spent the entirety of the battle looking for Ulf, finally finds the dragonseed passed out in the latrine after a morning spent in Lord Footly’s kitchen getting drunk on the Footly stores of ale.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
In Helaena’s room, Rhaenyra finds a tapestry Helaena had just finished sewing that predicts a dark and fiery end for Rhaenyra in the future.

— Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of finds

Verb

The Federal Trade Commission says criminals may collect application fees or deposits from several people before anyone discovers the property was never available.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026
The same goes for cold snaps in winter, when every homeowner suddenly discovers their furnace needs fixing.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of discovers

Verb

The medical model locates disability inside the individual, a deficit to be cured, corrected or endured until the person can function in a world built without them.

— Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Anyone who locates turtles has been asked to bring them to the Cranford Fire Department, according to CBS New York.

— Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of locates

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detectors

detects

détente

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“Detects.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detects. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of detects

verb

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