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
These periods tend to bring sudden news, endings, breakthroughs or a turning point.
—
Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026
Technological breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and beyond are transforming cancer research and care for patients around the world.
—Washington Post Live, Washington Post, 24 Apr. 2026
Last week, OpenAI also rolled out an early version of an AI model meant to speed up drug discoveries, joining a field of growing interest for tech companies eager to prove AI can pave the way for more scientific breakthroughs.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026
The medical breakthroughs of the 20th century—public health departments, vaccines, antibiotics, sanitation, lifestyle medicine—changed that trajectory.
—Ken Dychtwald, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
Federal regulators on Thursday announced a new Medicare coverage pathway for devices deemed breakthroughs by the Food and Drug Administration.
—Mario Aguilar, STAT, 23 Apr. 2026
By encouraging individuals to ignite possibilities, organizations unlock a wealth of untapped potential and pave the way for transformative breakthroughs and lasting success.
—Rebecca Ahmed, Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026
Medical professionals are trained to treat patients using all the skills, treatments and medical breakthroughs at their disposal.
—Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
In the course of the narrative, as John is embraced by friends and assaulted by strangers, Jones’s storytelling veers between breakthroughs and setbacks with a rhythm so mechanical as to verge on metronomic.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026
Technological breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and beyond are transforming cancer research and care for patients around the world.
—Washington Post Live, Washington Post, 24 Apr. 2026
Last week, OpenAI also rolled out an early version of an AI model meant to speed up drug discoveries, joining a field of growing interest for tech companies eager to prove AI can pave the way for more scientific breakthroughs.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026
The medical breakthroughs of the 20th century—public health departments, vaccines, antibiotics, sanitation, lifestyle medicine—changed that trajectory.
—Ken Dychtwald, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
Federal regulators on Thursday announced a new Medicare coverage pathway for devices deemed breakthroughs by the Food and Drug Administration.
—Mario Aguilar, STAT, 23 Apr. 2026
By encouraging individuals to ignite possibilities, organizations unlock a wealth of untapped potential and pave the way for transformative breakthroughs and lasting success.
—Rebecca Ahmed, Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026
Medical professionals are trained to treat patients using all the skills, treatments and medical breakthroughs at their disposal.
—Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
In the course of the narrative, as John is embraced by friends and assaulted by strangers, Jones’s storytelling veers between breakthroughs and setbacks with a rhythm so mechanical as to verge on metronomic.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakthroughs
Noun
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Explore making home improvements with the help of others.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
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And while the generative AI boom has brought significant improvements to our society, Mythos, Anthropic’s most advanced model, should be a clarion call to address weaknesses in our cyber ecosystem.—
Kemba Walden,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This upcoming edition was already the buzziest in years since usually secretive Apple has publicly promised to showcase anticipated AI advances.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
21 Apr. 2026
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The law also required advances in aviation technology to be included in the annual transportation work program.—
News Service Of Florida,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.—
Taylor Nicioli,
CNN Money,
20 Apr. 2026
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There continues to be meaningful advancements in the fight against [Glioblastoma], and that fight needs all of us.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Breakthroughs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breakthroughs. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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