uncover

verb

un·​cov·​er ən-ˈkə-vər 

uncovered; uncovering; uncovers

transitive verb

1

: to make known : bring to light : disclose, reveal

uncover the truth

2

: to expose to view by removing some covering

3

a

: to take the cover from

b

: to remove the hat from

uncovered his head

4

: to deprive of protection

intransitive verb

1

: to remove a cover or covering

2

: to take off the hat as a token of respect

Synonyms of uncover

• reveal
• discover
• disclose
• tell
• expose

Examples of uncover in a Sentence

Police uncovered a criminal plot.

Archaeologists uncovered the ruins of an ancient city.

Recent Examples on the Web

Perhaps one of Paulson’s most beloved characters in the series, Lana Winters was a journalist unjustly committed to the titular asylum after trying to uncover the institution’s dark secrets. —Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025

But their secret is eventually uncovered, and Constance tasks Roache with kidnapping Dahlia in order to draw Fiona to her ranch. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Dec. 2025

An extensive organ-harvesting ring has been uncovered in Nigeria after weeks of covert surveillance, local officials have said. —Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 9 Dec. 2025

When ready to serve, uncover and garnish with cinnamon and nutmeg. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for uncover

• discover
• hardcover
• recover
• thereover
• cover
• hover
• plover
• rediscover
• undercover

Kids Definition

uncover

verb

un·​cov·​er ˌən-ˈkəv-ər 

1

: to make known : disclose, reveal

uncover a plot

2

: to expose to view by removing some covering

uncover the ruins of an ancient city

3

a

: to take the cover from

uncover the box

b

: to remove the hat from

c

: to take off one's hat as a sign of respect