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

Netflix uncovered release dates and fresh looks for a number of projects from its 2026 film slate, including sneak peeks at Millie Bobby Brown in Enola Holmes 3 and John Cena in the comedy Little Brother. —Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 7 Jan. 2026

Local journalism, formerly the institution most responsible for uncovering wrongdoing, has been gutted. —Brandon Rottinghaus, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026

Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, skimming off any foam or oil that might accumulate on the surface, until the meat is tender, 2 to 2 1/2 hours. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026

The urgency of their missing is underscored by startling numbers uncovered in our CBS Data Team investigation, which found that in 2025 domestic violence accounted for 26% of all violent crimes in Chicago. —Marissa Perlman, CBS News, 7 Jan. 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