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

In Egypt, an underwater excavation in Alexandria uncovered a bronze ring depicting the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, while prehistoric rock art in Sinai reveals thousands of years of human activity. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026

That led them to uncover an efficient system of nutrient recycling that starts with the birds. — Lauren Sommer, NPR, 13 Oct. 2026

The book covers an enormous chunk of British screen history (1896 to 2001), with each chapter uncovering and illuminating the careers of early Black screen pioneers. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026

An Untapped Opportunity The same context that helps organizations identify outdated or risky data can also uncover information worth putting back to work. — Nick Burling, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 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