as in improvement
an instance of notable progress in the development of knowledge, technology, or skill
Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin was one of medicine's great breakthroughs, for penicillin became the first antibiotic to successfully combat bacterial infections in humans
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Recent Examples of breakthrough
The ramshackle cowpunk of breakthrough album Sidelong is a distant memory now, its rawness and distortion swapped for clarity and precision.
—
Brad Sanders,
Pitchfork,
26 June 2026
Kathy Caprino is a global career and leadership coach, LinkedIn Top Voice, author, speaker and host of the podcast Finding Brave, helping professionals and leaders experience breakthrough growth and impact.
—
Kathy Caprino,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
The character of Svetlana was a breakthrough for Kharlamova.
—
Emily Maskell,
IndieWire,
26 June 2026
The breakthrough could lead to a path of diplomatic normalization between the two countries, Lebanon and Israel, that are in a formal state of war.
—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
Brad Sanders,
Pitchfork,
26 June 2026
Kathy Caprino is a global career and leadership coach, LinkedIn Top Voice, author, speaker and host of the podcast Finding Brave, helping professionals and leaders experience breakthrough growth and impact.
—
Kathy Caprino,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
The character of Svetlana was a breakthrough for Kharlamova.
—
Emily Maskell,
IndieWire,
26 June 2026
The breakthrough could lead to a path of diplomatic normalization between the two countries, Lebanon and Israel, that are in a formal state of war.
—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakthrough
Noun
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There are approximately 3,800 public highway/rail crossings in Missouri, but state funding only allows for improvements to around 30 to 35 crossings per year, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MODOT) Office of Multimodal Operations, which oversees rail services in the state.
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Also, the current budget for the park is $905,000, all of which will go toward park improvements such as playgrounds, trails and more.
Noun
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But compared to devastating events that arrive suddenly with little notice, scientists know well in advance that El Niño is coming.
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Powell said China has such operations lined up and planned well in advance and waits for such triggering events.
Noun
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The ratings draw on data from millions of actual workers, in postings on LinkedIn, Indeed and other sites that illustrate patterns in pay, retention and advancement.
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Here is a list of the inventions and innovations, business advancements and manufacturing achievements our state pioneered in the past 250 years.
Cite this Entry
“Breakthrough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breakthrough. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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