as in sensor
a device that detects some physical quantity and responds usually with a transmitted signal
a motion detector to thwart burglaries
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Recent Examples of detector
Fire officials also encourage having working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home, including smoke detectors in every bedroom.
—
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2026
Two similar neutrino detectors — Japan’s Hyper-Kamiokande and the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment based in the United States — are set to begin data collection within the next decade, cross-checking the China detector’s results using different approaches.
—ABC News, 10 June 2026
Traditional discrete-variable quantum systems often rely on specialized single-photon detectors and cryogenic hardware.
—John Prisco, Forbes.com, 4 June 2026
The sensitivity of the gravitational wave detectors has only increased in recent years, with detections currently occurring as frequently as three to four times each week during observational run phases between down periods that allow further advancement of sensitivity.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for detector
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2026
Two similar neutrino detectors — Japan’s Hyper-Kamiokande and the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment based in the United States — are set to begin data collection within the next decade, cross-checking the China detector’s results using different approaches.
—ABC News, 10 June 2026
Traditional discrete-variable quantum systems often rely on specialized single-photon detectors and cryogenic hardware.
—John Prisco, Forbes.com, 4 June 2026
The sensitivity of the gravitational wave detectors has only increased in recent years, with detections currently occurring as frequently as three to four times each week during observational run phases between down periods that allow further advancement of sensitivity.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for detector
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detector
sensor
Noun
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OpenWorks says troops can carry the core equipment and supporting sensors inside a standard military backpack.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
18 June 2026
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Federal agents have radar, acoustic sensors to detect the distinct noise signature of a drone’s motors and propellers and thermal and optical detection.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Detector.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detector. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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