discover

verb

di-ˈskə-vər How to pronounce discover (audio)
Definition of discovernext
1
as in to realize
to come to an awareness of I was startled to discover that my keys were missing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to find
to come upon after searching, study, or effort we hope to discover the real reason for his odd behavior

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to reveal
to make known (as information previously kept secret) discovered to his friend how people whom he had trusted had betrayed him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb discover contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of discover are ascertain, determine, learn, and unearth. While all these words mean "to find out what one did not previously know," discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter.

discovered the source of the river

When is ascertain a more appropriate choice than discover?

The synonyms ascertain and discover are sometimes interchangeable, but ascertain implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty.

attempts to ascertain the population of the region

When is it sensible to use determine instead of discover?

While the synonyms determine and discover are close in meaning, determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely.

unable to determine the origin of the word

When might learn be a better fit than discover?

The words learn and discover are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, learn may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told) or it may imply study and practice.

I learned her name only today
learning Greek

In what contexts can unearth take the place of discover?

Although the words unearth and discover have much in common, unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden.

unearth old records

Example Sentences

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 discover The print, Torero (1949), was discovered during a landlord’s walkthrough of an apartment recently vacated via an eviction. — News Desk, Artforum, 14 Aug. 2026 Only recently, scientists discovered that these fire generated weather systems can surpass a natural atmospheric barrier, reaching the stratosphere. — Emma Balleste, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026 Brophy, a mother of two and an Oceanside emergency room nurse, has been missing since July 6, and her vehicle was discovered in a parking lot within the recreation area. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 The story begins on February 5 of that year, when a graduate student and dormitory aide discovered that the small canvas was missing from the university’s Students Union building. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discover
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discover
  1. realize
  2. find
  3. reveal
  4. learn
  5. locate
  6. disclose
  7. see
  8. uncover
Verb
  • Like Bill Gates and MacKenzie Scott today, Rosenwald realized that people who command great wealth have corresponding responsibilities to help others.
    — Harold Pollack, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In hearing their stories, Knopf came to realize that none had ever really learned how to teach children to read.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of realize
Verb
  • Going into November, an Associated Press analysis found that Wasserman Schultz is the only white Democrat positioned to represent any of the remaining districts with a Black majority or plurality.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • About one in three home sales in the Bay Area were all cash from April through June, Redfin found.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of find
Verb
  • In his post-match press conference after City beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 on Sunday, Maresca revealed that Omar Marmoush is in a similar position.
    — Sam Lee, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The Supreme Court has recognized that phone location records can reveal far more than movement.
    — Nicole M. Bennett, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of reveal
Verb
  • The courses, Cristerna said, would have been useful in learning how to negotiate brand deals, maximize monetization opportunities and cultivate and keep an audience.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • But by the next month, Tufts learned Clancy had started taking multiple other medications prescribed by another provider.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of learn
Verb
  • Arkansas Baptist College, a private, historically Black college located several blocks east of Little Rock's Central High School, is expanding its student housing with the acquisition of a La Quinta Inn in downtown Little Rock.
    — Dale Ellis, Arkansas Online, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Wyoming Whiskey is located in the small town of Kirby—and this is truly a small town, with only about 60 full-time residents based there.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of locate
Verb
  • Plano police did not disclose the woman's cause of death and said additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.
    — S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • If an investigation later reveals that criminal activity was taking place before or during the naturalization process—but was not disclosed—the government may argue that the individual was never legally eligible to become a citizen.
    — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of disclose
Verb
  • While a thin sliver will remain illuminated by direct sunlight, most of the lunar surface will appear dramatically darkened with a subtle reddish-orange glow — reminiscent of a total lunar eclipse seen across North America on March 3.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • As premier, she has rarely been seen in public wearing all-black suits and boots.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of see
Verb
  • Once Wanda’s ruse is uncovered, the real Vision (now sporting a white costume) is reanimated and has his full memory restored.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Not that the impact on younger generations was going uncovered — certainly parents, educators and officials spoke out.
    — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of uncover

Browse Nearby Words

discourtesy
discover
discovered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discover.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discover. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of discover for Spanish Speakers

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