BREAKTHROUGHS Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

breakthroughs

noun

plural of breakthrough

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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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 breakthroughs Lisa Collins, a forensic scientist at Washington State Patrol, told CNN new software and strides in genetic genealogy are two relatively recent watersheds in DNA technology that have allowed for breakthroughs in cold cases like these. —

Nina Giraldo, CNN Money, 10 May 2026 The United States has a unique ability to bring together the institutions, manufacturing strength, and innovation ecosystems needed to deliver breakthroughs at scale, supported by policies that value innovation, investment, and patients. —

Joaquin Duato, Fortune, 9 May 2026 Bottom line Expect fanfare, expect deliverables on the margins -- purchase commitments or a possible Board of Trade announcement -- and don't expect breakthroughs on the hard issues, experts say. —

Selina Wang, ABC News, 8 May 2026 The case has had a few breakthroughs, and some dead ends. —

Sarah Lapidus, USA Today, 8 May 2026 Top researchers are increasingly looking toward Europe or returning to China, where the state provides the patience capital necessary for long-term breakthroughs. —

Imran Khalid, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026 Reform also is eyeing breakthroughs in Scotland and Wales, though pro-independence nationalists the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru are likely to form governments in Edinburgh and Cardiff. —

Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026 And the Hockings are committed to helping push for breakthroughs in recovery, research and treatment for spinal cord injuries. —

Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026 History shows, however, that his predictions for when his companies’ breakthroughs will occur tend to be several years off the mark—if the breakthroughs happen at all. —

Phil Plait, Scientific American, 1 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakthroughs

Noun

Architectural review committees can review, comment on, and approve or reject owners’ plans for property improvements and modifications in accordance with a community’s governing documents and architectural guidelines.

— Nicole R. Kurtz, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026
These are safety improvements, but developers have a great incentive to improve the science of stairwells as these spaces have no sellable square footage.

— Michelle Sinclair Colman, Curbed, 7 May 2026