discovery

noun

di-ˈskə-v(ə-)rē How to pronounce discovery (audio)
Definition of discoverynext
1
as in finding
the act or process of sighting or learning the existence of something for the first time the discovery of a new species of starfish

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in find
something discovered his many zoological discoveries include several species of birds

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 discovery The East Flanders Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the surprising discovery, per Belgian outlet De Standaard. — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026 For Fernando Camilo, chief scientist at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory and a co-author of the new paper, the discovery brings a long journey full circle. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026 Worse, Simcha Kosman, the researcher who made the discovery, was able to bypass the LLM’s supervisor entirely and obtain persistent root access to the sandbox. — Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026 As technologies such as radio telescopes improve, astrochemists will be able to make new discoveries, double-check existing observations and study these faraway regions in more detail than ever before. — Olivia Harper Wilkins, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discovery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discovery
  1. finding
  2. find
  3. detection
  4. exploration
  5. awareness
Noun
  • Inspector General Eliot Prescott released a 26-page report detailing the findings of his investigation into the death of 33-year-old Gamboy Guaranda at the New Haven Correctional Center on April 16.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Senior study author Laura Cuaya explained their findings in a press release published on the university’s website.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of finding
Noun
  • For more finds to design a cozy corner, check out our favorite reading nook wallpaper, magazine racks, lighting, throw blankets, and more below.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Fitoussi has outfitted Collins in chic and romantic silhouettes using vintage finds, bold prints and high-end designer pieces.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of find
Noun
  • The other four switched off their tracking transponders to avoid detection so their route is unknown.
    — Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The aircraft are part of Colorado's aerial fire-detection program, which sends planes over the state looking for the heat signatures of new fires, particularly those sparked by lightning.
    — Brian Maass, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of detection
Noun
  • Even without the question of more victims, the Manson case presented a new exploration of true crime, and the way the public processes it.
    — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Crescent Energy Crescent Energy (CRGY) is an exploration and production company with activities focused in the Eagle Ford, Permian and Uinta Basins.
    — , CNBC, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of exploration
Noun
  • The experience has also turned the mother-daughter duo into advocates for mental health awareness and more intentional technology use.
    — Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The curriculum includes topics like executive presence, professional branding, influence, resilience, conflict navigation, storytelling, disability and accessibility awareness, and allyship.
    — Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of awareness

Browse Nearby Words

discovers
discovery
discredit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on discovery

Nglish: Translation of discovery for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about discovery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All