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

• 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

Standing athwart this effort, as uncovered by the Bull Moose Project, is a collection of trade associations and industry standards development organizations that represent corporations based in China. —Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 7 Oct. 2025

In any event, whatever is uncovered could influence your reputation. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025

Archaeologists uncovered the finds while working alongside construction crews who are redeveloping the market square. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025

Transfer skillet to oven and bake, uncovered, until chicken registers 195 degrees, 35 to 40 minutes. —Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 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