\
Definition of breakthrough
(Entry 1 of 2)
break through
verbDefinition of break through (Entry 2 of 2)
Keep scrolling for more
Synonyms & Antonyms for breakthrough
Synonyms: Noun
advance, advancement, enhancement, improvement, refinement
Antonyms: Noun
Visit the Thesaurus for More
Examples of breakthrough in a Sentence
Noun
Researchers say they have made a major breakthrough in cancer treatment. The police have announced a breakthrough in the murder case. This job could be the breakthrough she's been waiting for.
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
One hoped-for breakthrough would be the return of the remains of U.S. troops killed during the 1950-53 Korean War. — Andrew Harnik And Matthew Lee, USA TODAY, "Mike Pompeo seeks clarity in denuclearization talks with North Korea," 7 July 2018 Getting a better understanding of the connections within their nervous system could allow for breakthroughs on human systems. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "These Glowing Fruit Fly Heads Can Help Us Understand the Human Brain," 26 Nov. 2018 One hoped-for breakthrough would be the return of the remains of U.S. troops killed during the 1950-53 Korean War. — Andrew Harnik And Matthew Lee, USA TODAY, "Mike Pompeo seeks clarity in denuclearization talks with North Korea," 7 July 2018 One hoped-for breakthrough on this trip would have been the return of the remains of U.S. troops killed during the 1950-53 Korean War. — Andrew Harnik And Matthew Lee, chicagotribune.com, "North Korea says talks with Secretary of State Pompeo were 'regrettable' and 'robber-like'," 7 July 2018 One hoped-for breakthrough on this trip would have been the return of the remains of U.S. troops killed during the 1950-53 Korean War. — Andrew Harnik And Matthew Lee, BostonGlobe.com, "North Korea says talks with Pompeo were ‘regrettable’," 7 July 2018 One hoped-for breakthrough would be the return of the remains of U.S. troops killed during the 1950-53 Korean War. — Washington Post, "Pompeo seeks clarity in denuclearization talks with NKorea," 6 July 2018 Brown had been a magnetic figure even within the confines of New Edition, and his persona seemed prime for a solo breakthrough. — Stereo Williams, Billboard, "New Jack Summer: In June '88, Bobby Brown, Teddy Riley & New Edition Announced the Arrival of R&B's New School," 20 June 2018 There is little incentive or infrastructure for a legislative breakthrough. — Vivian Wang, New York Times, "As End of Legislative Session Nears, Ennui Wins the Day," 19 June 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'breakthrough.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for breakthrough
breakthrough
noun
English Language Learners Definition of breakthrough
See the full definition for breakthrough in the English Language Learners Dictionary
breakthrough
noun
\
Kids Definition of breakthrough
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on breakthrough
What made you want to look up breakthrough? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!
-
- Which is a synonym of fuliginous?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
-
Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!
No tricks, just difficult words.
Take the quiz -
Time Traveler Quiz: Which Word Came First?
Which word entered the English language first?
Take the quiz -
True or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
Take the quiz -
Word Winder's CrossWinder
Play the game
Share breakthrough
Resources for breakthrough