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
But plenty of downsides came with Rateliff’s breakthrough.
—
David Browne, Rolling Stone, 7 May 2025
In 2024, hyperpop had its commercial breakthrough with Charli XCX’s album Brat, whose frenzied rhythms became popular enough to be adopted by the official memes of Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 5 May 2025
The next big breakthrough came in the 1980s, when Eli Lilly introduced biosynthetic human insulin.
—Discover Magazine, 3 May 2025
Trump’s frustration is growing as his effort to forge a deal between Ukraine and Russia has failed to achieve a breakthrough.
—Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
David Browne, Rolling Stone, 7 May 2025
In 2024, hyperpop had its commercial breakthrough with Charli XCX’s album Brat, whose frenzied rhythms became popular enough to be adopted by the official memes of Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 5 May 2025
The next big breakthrough came in the 1980s, when Eli Lilly introduced biosynthetic human insulin.
—Discover Magazine, 3 May 2025
Trump’s frustration is growing as his effort to forge a deal between Ukraine and Russia has failed to achieve a breakthrough.
—Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakthrough
Noun
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In years past, life expectancy for people who lived to age 18 showed little improvement.—
Bill Conerly,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
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While his selfless running is valuable, a return of five Premier League goals and six assists from 34 league appearances so far suggests there is room for improvement in Szoboszlai’s attacking output — something Slot called out early on.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
The park’s 125 campsites may be reserved up to a year in advance.—
Jack Schnedler,
Arkansas Online,
19 May 2025
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Use direct language when offering ideas or feedback Don’t apologize in advance for disagreeing or sharing an idea.—
Lorraine K. Lee,
CNBC,
19 May 2025
Noun
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Add to the mix the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and the gap between education and reality may be a gulf.—
Dan Fitzpatrick,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
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Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Breakthrough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breakthrough. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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