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

The novels follow Cammie Skoura, a brilliant, neurodivergent young scientist aboard a deep-space expedition that uncovers a trail of ancient ruins and long-dead alien civilizations leading toward a mind-shattering discovery. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2026

Hila Klein has filed for divorce less than two weeks after her husband Ethan Klein’s affair was uncovered, per court filings. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo sent seven pass rushers, but Nix rolled right and found running back Jonah Coleman uncovered. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026

An audit last year uncovered billions of dollars in borrowing hidden by the previous administration. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 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