uncover

verb

un·​cov·​er ən-ˈkə-vər How to pronounce uncover (audio)
uncovered; uncovering; uncovers
Synonyms of uncovernext

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

Examples of uncover in a Sentence

Police uncovered a criminal plot. Archaeologists uncovered the ruins of an ancient city.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An archaeologist uncovered a cache of rare religious artifacts deliberately thrown in an English river — and has now shed light on why they were dumped. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026 To paleontologists’ delight, more than half of the species uncovered at the Huayuan site are new to science. Marlowe Starling, Quanta Magazine, 1 May 2026 More could yet be uncovered—the search is ongoing. Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 1 May 2026 Recently, Morais said Waterbury detectives uncovered additional information alleging that Hughes sent another minor inappropriate messages. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for uncover

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncover was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Uncover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncover. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

uncover

verb
un·​cov·​er ˌən-ˈkəv-ər How to pronounce uncover (audio)
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

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