discover

verb

dis·​cov·​er di-ˈskə-vər How to pronounce discover (audio)
discovered; discovering di-ˈskə-v(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce discover (audio)
Synonyms of discover

transitive verb

1
a
: to make known or visible : expose
… discovering himself … as her adoring and magnanimous lover …—T. L. Peacock
b
archaic : display
2
a
: to obtain sight or knowledge of for the first time : find
discover the solution
discovered a new Italian restaurant
b
: find out
discovered he was out of gas

intransitive verb

: to make a discovery
discoverable
di-ˈskə-v(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce discover (audio)
adjective
discoverer
di-ˈskə-vər-ər How to pronounce discover (audio)
noun

Synonyms of discover

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discover, ascertain, determine, unearth, learn 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

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

determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely.

unable to determine the origin of the word

unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden.

unearth old records

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

Examples of discover in a Sentence

Several new species of plants have recently been discovered. It took her several weeks to discover the solution. The tests have discovered problems in the current design. She soon discovered what had been going on.
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.
Brent Fannin, 38, was the first activist to discover the FWC was pulling critics’ DAVID records. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026 Denton police arrested a man who robbed a bank in the Rayzor Ranch area, and discovered that he was already wanted in a robbery in Arkansas, the department said. — Mary Ella Hastings july 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026 Whether discovering familyrun wineries, exploring historic neighborhoods with local experts, or simply lingering over lunch in a quiet piazza, travelers have the freedom to engage with each destination at their own pace. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 24 July 2026 Upon arrival, officers discovered an unidentified male, approximately 30 to 35 years of age, unconscious and unresponsive inside the park. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for discover

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French descoverir, descovrir, from Late Latin discooperire, from Latin dis- + cooperire to cover — more at cover

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of discover was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing discover

Rhymes for discover

See All Rhymes for discover

Browse Nearby Words

discous
discover
discoverable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

discover

verb
dis·​cov·​er dis-ˈkəv-ər How to pronounce discover (audio)
discovered; discovering -ˈkəv-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce discover (audio)
1
: to make known or visible (as something secret or hidden)
2
a
: to obtain sight or knowledge of for the first time
discovered an uncharted island
discovered the law of gravity
b
: to detect the presence of : find
discovered a pizza waiting on the table
c
: find out
was surprised to discover that I had lost my keys
discoverable
-ˈkəv-(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce discover (audio)
adjective
discoverer
-ˈkəv-ər-ər How to pronounce discover (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

discover

transitive verb
dis·​cov·​er
1
: to find out about, recognize, or realize for the first time
when the victim discovers the fraud
see also discovery rule
2
a
: to make the subject of discovery
b
: to learn of or obtain (information) through discovery
discoverable adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on discover

Nglish: Translation of discover for Spanish Speakers

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