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

Every day we’re given a new theme and then tasked with uncovering all the words on the grid that fit that theme, including a spangram that spans two sides of the board. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025

Descend beneath The Flat Iron Hotel to uncover the Red Ribbon Society. —Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 29 June 2025

His perverse plot was uncovered in 2017 when the brother of one victim found communications between the serial killer and his sister on Twitter. —Chris Spargo, People.com, 27 June 2025

Ruth’s swings of emotion and identity are multitudes to be uncovered and respected. —Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 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