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
Are there any breakthroughs in fossil energy that could counteract progress in clean tech?
—
Umair Irfan, Vox, 23 Apr. 2025
The White House wants to make another attempt this week to bring about a breakthrough in negotiations, but Netanyahu has been reluctant to agree to anything beyond an interim deal that does not end the war.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025
As the 40th anniversary of his big screen breakthrough approaches this fall, Besson is rolling out ultra-low budget romance June & John.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2025
Sammie’s performance feels like a breakthrough between Coogler and his longtime musical cohort Ludwig Göransson, who’s been a presence in each of the director’s films since Fruitvale Station.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
Umair Irfan, Vox, 23 Apr. 2025
The White House wants to make another attempt this week to bring about a breakthrough in negotiations, but Netanyahu has been reluctant to agree to anything beyond an interim deal that does not end the war.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025
As the 40th anniversary of his big screen breakthrough approaches this fall, Besson is rolling out ultra-low budget romance June & John.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2025
Sammie’s performance feels like a breakthrough between Coogler and his longtime musical cohort Ludwig Göransson, who’s been a presence in each of the director’s films since Fruitvale Station.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakthrough
Noun
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Participants treated with semaglutide also saw improvements in liver enzymes and blood measures of liver fibrosis, as well as 10.5% weight loss.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
3 May 2025
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The Trump administration could gut research on the effectiveness of child welfare programs, with plans to terminate dozens of university grants studying improvements to Head Start and child care policy, according to a spreadsheet mistakenly made public this week.—
Ryan J. Foley,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
Noun
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There is no sign outside Hurdle’s San Diego salon, but despite the low profile, her Instagram page warns that she’s usually booked months in advance.—
Lindsy Van Gelder,
Allure,
25 Apr. 2025
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While cancellation options are available in advance of the other three periods—broadly speaking, advertisers may back out of between 25% and 50% of their Q1, Q2 and Q3 upfront allocations—the ontological status of fall buys is a lot less equivocal.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.—
Kameryn Griesser,
CNN Money,
29 Apr. 2025
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Police remain hopeful that recent advancements in DNA testing, which have been used on evidence collected in Amber's case, and new tips from the public will help solve the case.—
Emily Krauser,
People.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Breakthrough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breakthrough. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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