as in improvements
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 breakthroughs
Metrics and siloed organizational structures can get in the way of breakthroughs like a whole new system for boarding a plane.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
His work often focuses on patients who rely on the Texas Medical Center, medical breakthroughs and the health care professionals who work in the largest medical center in the world.
—Evan MacDonald, Houston Chronicle, 28 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
Every four years since the turn of the twentieth century, the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) has brought together mathematicians from all over the world to share the latest breakthroughs and plot the field’s future.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2026
Trump has not acknowledged Qalibaf by name in his statements claiming major breakthroughs in diplomacy between Washington and Tehran.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 25 Mar. 2026
Gray Davis’s own experience demonstrates that staying the course despite mounting pressure to withdraw can lead to unexpected political breakthroughs, suggesting that the outcome of this primary remains genuinely uncertain.
—Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Instead, incredible talent and creativity in the moment drove many breakthroughs.
—Jon McNeill, Big Think, 25 Mar. 2026
The Pima County Sheriff's Department has been searching for Guthrie for nearly two months but have had no major breakthroughs in the case in recent weeks.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 22 Mar. 2026
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
His work often focuses on patients who rely on the Texas Medical Center, medical breakthroughs and the health care professionals who work in the largest medical center in the world.
—Evan MacDonald, Houston Chronicle, 28 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
Every four years since the turn of the twentieth century, the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) has brought together mathematicians from all over the world to share the latest breakthroughs and plot the field’s future.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2026
Trump has not acknowledged Qalibaf by name in his statements claiming major breakthroughs in diplomacy between Washington and Tehran.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 25 Mar. 2026
Gray Davis’s own experience demonstrates that staying the course despite mounting pressure to withdraw can lead to unexpected political breakthroughs, suggesting that the outcome of this primary remains genuinely uncertain.
—Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Instead, incredible talent and creativity in the moment drove many breakthroughs.
—Jon McNeill, Big Think, 25 Mar. 2026
The Pima County Sheriff's Department has been searching for Guthrie for nearly two months but have had no major breakthroughs in the case in recent weeks.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakthroughs
Noun
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The project will also add turn lanes, access control measures and pedestrian improvements.—
March 26,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Mar. 2026
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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
Noun
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If El-Sayed advances with Piker's support, the party will face continued pressure to engage with him, some analysts predict.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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While none of the commodities are traded as widely as oil, the surge indicates how ripple effects from the Middle East conflict could end up restricting production of the semiconductors that power artificial intelligence advances.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
31 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
“Breakthroughs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breakthroughs. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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