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

• bare
• disclose
• discover
• divulge
• expose
• let on (about)
• reveal
• spill
• tell
• unbosom
• uncloak
• unmask
• unveil

Examples of uncover in a Sentence

Police uncovered a criminal plot.

Archaeologists uncovered the ruins of an ancient city.

Recent Examples on the Web

By enriching this data with operational and financial metrics, organizations can perform advanced analytics to uncover actionable root causes and establish a financial link to CX value. —Forrester, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Fox Nation's 'Titanic Secrets' busts the myths that have long been held at the bottom of the sea and uncovers the truth in this century-long conspiracy. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2025

In 100 riveting profiles, top basketball writers justify their selections and uncover the history of the NBA in the process. —Zach Harper, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025

The events occurred more than two years before Weinstein’s role as a predator was uncovered by The New York Times and The New Yorker. —Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 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