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
The revelation is tied to a breakthrough Hannah has in her songwriting for the Pop Music Showcase at their college, Briar University, where Hannah hopes to win a scholarship since the funding for her previous one has run out.
—
Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 15 May 2026
This appears to be a breakthrough for productivity.
—Victor Fang, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
The dual eye-popping performance was a culmination of a lifetime in the event for Witt, a season of breakthroughs for Bell, and consistent camaraderie and competition between the two long jumpers.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 15 May 2026
The mere fact that Beirut and Jerusalem are communicating directly is a major breakthrough in itself, as interactions with Israel have long been banned under Lebanese law.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 15 May 2026
This appears to be a breakthrough for productivity.
—Victor Fang, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
The dual eye-popping performance was a culmination of a lifetime in the event for Witt, a season of breakthroughs for Bell, and consistent camaraderie and competition between the two long jumpers.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 15 May 2026
The mere fact that Beirut and Jerusalem are communicating directly is a major breakthrough in itself, as interactions with Israel have long been banned under Lebanese law.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakthrough
Noun
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First and foremost, there are no available players who would be decisive improvements.—
Daniel Popper,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
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Shares of the home improvement retailer are 2% lower before the bell, despite the positive report.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
20 May 2026
Noun
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One advance scout noted that, despite the clock, pitchers today take a long time to come set, giving them even less time to hold the ball and make runners question their intention.—
Chad Jennings,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
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The poll is the latest sign Democrats will avoid being locked out of the general election; only two candidates, regardless of party, advance from the primary.—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
20 May 2026
Noun
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Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
17 May 2026
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While future research is needed to further validate this emerging method, the authors have contributed to advancements in how this science is conducted, innovating research methods that will help scholars study the past with greater accuracy.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Breakthrough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breakthrough. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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