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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of breakthrough
Whether that friendship leads to a breakthrough remains to be seen.
—
Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
From that came 'Red Headed Stranger,' and that was Willie's breakthrough.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Houston’s breakthrough.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 25 June 2025
There’s no hint yet of a breakthrough on SALT, though Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., predicted one will come soon — and that House Republicans will be able to swallow what the Senate comes up with.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
From that came 'Red Headed Stranger,' and that was Willie's breakthrough.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Houston’s breakthrough.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 25 June 2025
There’s no hint yet of a breakthrough on SALT, though Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., predicted one will come soon — and that House Republicans will be able to swallow what the Senate comes up with.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakthrough
Noun
-
Both organizations emphasized improvements made to welfare systems and reporting procedures since 2016, when Endemol merged with Shine, and again in 2020 when Banijay acquired Endemol Shine.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
14 July 2025
-
Gale’s progressive social agenda gets wrapped in folksy, regionalist humor, as the Friendship Married Ladies Cemetery Improvement Sodality try to bring modern improvements to their village.—
Deborah Williams
July 14,
Literary Hub,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued timely forecasts and warnings in advance of Friday's catastrophic flooding in central Texas, but long-standing staffing concerns—including unfilled leadership positions—remained a source of unease among weather professionals.—
Peter Aitken,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 July 2025
-
Reservations to use the all-terrain wheelchairs must be made at least four days in advance through Reserve America.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
Create clear pathways for advancement via micro-credentials.—
Scott White,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
With recent advancements in smart home technologies, a rediscovery of traditional craftsmanship, and a rekindling of national pride, Chinese industry leaders said the number of luxury domestic furniture brands is expected to rise in the near term.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Breakthrough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breakthrough. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share