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

The 94-minute film weaves together interviews with the investigators who helped uncover BTK’s identity with Rawson’s personal reflections on her relationship with her father, both before and since his arrest and conviction. —Addie Morfoot, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025

But with a young son to raise and a past that won’t stay buried, Brae is back … and determined to uncover the truth. —Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025

Lower heat and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes. —Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Oct. 2025

Transfer to a heatproof bowl, and chill, uncovered, 1 hour. —Ivy Odom, Southern Living, 14 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