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

Meanwhile, Walt’s wife, Skyler (Anna Gunn), leaves him and takes the kids after uncovering Walt’s double life. — Henry Metz, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

Over the past decade, researchers have uncovered extensive evidence of an ancient Jewish fishing settlement and Roman-era city at the El-Araj site. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Television crime dramas have done their part, too, often portraying the device as an oracle for uncovering the truth when conventional methods fail. — Brian O'Neill, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026

On the 9/11 anniversary in 2009, investigators uncovered an al Qaeda plot to attack the New York City subway system with homemade bombs at two of its busiest stations. — Mark Morales, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

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