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
Possible breakthrough to allow aid, farm shipments Iran agreed to allow humanitarian aid and agricultural shipments through the Strait of Hormuz following a request from the United Nations.
—
Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2026
Negotiations in the Senate are ongoing, but Republicans and Democrats have yet to reach a breakthrough and have rejected the other party’s proposals.
—Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026
The breakthrough opens the door to new possibilities for the study of the elusive material.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
In my field of particle physics, scientific breakthroughs are often measured in decades, as opposed to years.
—Mariangela Lisanti, Twin Cities, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2026
Negotiations in the Senate are ongoing, but Republicans and Democrats have yet to reach a breakthrough and have rejected the other party’s proposals.
—Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026
The breakthrough opens the door to new possibilities for the study of the elusive material.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
In my field of particle physics, scientific breakthroughs are often measured in decades, as opposed to years.
—Mariangela Lisanti, Twin Cities, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakthrough
Noun
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As further improvements are made, platinum-free fuel cells could play a major role in building a cleaner and more affordable energy future.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Mar. 2026
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Strong spring training from bats Spring training isn’t the ultimate prognosticator of success, but the Rangers’ improvement at the plate could be something that carries over into the regular season.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Ann Williams, deputy superintendent of operations, said the event was held in advance of a topping-out ceremony, a construction milestone that marks the placement of the final structural steel beam at the top of a building.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
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In 2023, Connecticut lawmakers restricted the use of that contract-language lever — it's called a prejudgment remedy waiver — for cash advances under $250,000, like Jane's.—
Alina Selyukh,
NPR,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Plus, uncertainty – the biggest domino of them all – had the potential to recede as companies gained greater clarity on the economy, borrowing costs, tariffs and other federal policies, technological advancements, and geopolitical developments.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
29 Mar. 2026
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The recent increase in reports may also be linked to advancements in technology and widespread camera use, prompting the question of whether these tools are amplifying the apparent surge.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Breakthrough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breakthrough. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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