as in improvement
an instance of notable progress in the development of knowledge, technology, or skill
Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin was one of medicine's great breakthroughs, for penicillin became the first antibiotic to successfully combat bacterial infections in humans
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Recent Examples of breakthrough
Kevin Stefanski takes over as head coach and will try to help guide this team to a breakthrough.
—
Mike Jones, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Trilateral talks between the United States, Russia and Ukraine were held in Abu Dhabi in early February, where the sides met twice but emerged with only a limited breakthrough — agreeing to a 314-person prisoner exchange, the first such swap in five months.
—Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Maintaining a positive mindset at work delivers a morning breakthrough as the moon harmonizes with Mars.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
International private investigator Jay Armes III says the footage could be a major breakthrough.
—Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
Mike Jones, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Trilateral talks between the United States, Russia and Ukraine were held in Abu Dhabi in early February, where the sides met twice but emerged with only a limited breakthrough — agreeing to a 314-person prisoner exchange, the first such swap in five months.
—Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Maintaining a positive mindset at work delivers a morning breakthrough as the moon harmonizes with Mars.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
International private investigator Jay Armes III says the footage could be a major breakthrough.
—Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakthrough
Noun
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Look for ways to make improvements in your immediate surroundings and even your appearance.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
19 Feb. 2026
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Additional improvements include new landscaping, pedestrian and bike paths connecting E and H Streets to the existing Bayside Park, picnic tables, benches, shade structures and trees.—
Jennifer Van Grove,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The comment was notable because presumably Clark wouldn’t have advance knowledge of a forthcoming legal action.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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To participate in the run, residents sign up in advance and pay a fee to assist with transportation and organization of stops on the run.—
Carlie Procell,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But the bill’s advancement was not cause for celebration among the food security advocates who have been calling for state funds to cover the cost of school meal copays for years.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
15 Feb. 2026
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After reporting Rotter, Walker said he was subjected to racial harassment and a hostile working environment, including being denied overtime, training and advancement opportunities, according to court filings.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Breakthrough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breakthrough. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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