detect

verb

de·tect di-ˈtekt

dē-

detected; detecting; detects

Synonyms of detect

transitive verb

: to discover the true character of

detecting drug smugglers

: to discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

detect alcohol in the blood

Do I detect a note of sarcasm in your voice?

: demodulate

intransitive verb

: to work as a detective

detectability

di-ˌtek-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē

dē-

noun

detectable

di-ˈtek-tə-bəl

dē-

adjective

Examples of detect in a Sentence

The test is used to detect the presence of alcohol in the blood. This type of cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

In Mexico, the screwworm outbreak was detected in November 2024 and has spread to 29 of the country’s 32 states. — ABC News, 25 July 2026 One may detect in this a subtle critique of the reactionary masculinism represented by those crashing out over Page’s casting. — Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 The feeding causes a deepening of the wound, damage to the tissue and sometimes death if not detected in a timely manner. — Sarah Tomlinson, The Conversation, 24 July 2026 It was further detected in a rear compartment of Burke’s Tesla, separate from the front trunk where her remains were found. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for detect

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin detectus, past participle of detegere to uncover, detect, from de- + tegere to cover — more at thatch

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of detect was in 1574

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Browse Nearby Words

detd

detect

detectable

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Detect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detect. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

detect

verb

de·tect di-ˈtekt

: to discover the nature, existence, presence, or fact of

detect the approach of an airplane

detectable

-ˈtek-tə-bəl

adjective

detection

-ˈtek-shən

noun

detect

verb

Synonyms of detect

Examples of detect in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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detect

verb

Synonyms of detect

Examples of detect in a Sentence

Word History

Rhymes for detect

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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