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
For research, Google launched a $30 million AI for Science Impact Challenge to fund researchers globally using AI to drive scientific breakthroughs.
—
Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
Innovators behind three major breakthroughs will accept Scientific and Engineering Awards.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026
But despite all these breakthroughs, the big, smart electric SUV is roughly what everyone has expected.
—New Atlas, 18 Feb. 2026
In two and a half centuries, the Pennsylvania Hospital Museum will showcase the remarkable evolution from the early days to many of the modern breakthroughs.
—Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
Too much of California’s policy assumes technological breakthroughs will simply appear on schedule, at an affordable cost, to meet the looming lofty goals.
—Suzette Valladares, Oc Register, 15 Feb. 2026
For much of its 139-year history, NIH has been a quiet, nonpartisan nest for scientific breakthroughs, helping fund research that has led to the development of HIV treatments, Covid vaccines and cancer drugs.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 15 Feb. 2026
But the apparent detentions may have ended without major breakthroughs.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 14 Feb. 2026
If you’re drawn to stories about rediscovery and hidden-in-plain-sight breakthroughs, this one delivers.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
Innovators behind three major breakthroughs will accept Scientific and Engineering Awards.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 18 Feb. 2026
But despite all these breakthroughs, the big, smart electric SUV is roughly what everyone has expected.
—New Atlas, 18 Feb. 2026
In two and a half centuries, the Pennsylvania Hospital Museum will showcase the remarkable evolution from the early days to many of the modern breakthroughs.
—Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
Too much of California’s policy assumes technological breakthroughs will simply appear on schedule, at an affordable cost, to meet the looming lofty goals.
—Suzette Valladares, Oc Register, 15 Feb. 2026
For much of its 139-year history, NIH has been a quiet, nonpartisan nest for scientific breakthroughs, helping fund research that has led to the development of HIV treatments, Covid vaccines and cancer drugs.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 15 Feb. 2026
But the apparent detentions may have ended without major breakthroughs.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 14 Feb. 2026
If you’re drawn to stories about rediscovery and hidden-in-plain-sight breakthroughs, this one delivers.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakthroughs
Noun
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Financial planning determines how to phase improvements responsibly while maintaining affordability for customers.—
Stephanie Threinen,
Austin American Statesman,
19 Feb. 2026
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In addition to longer endurance, the company reported efficiency improvements across key metrics.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Scientific advances and cutting-edge technologies are reshaping how rare diseases are diagnosed and treated, bringing new hope to millions of patients and families.—
Washington Post Live,
Washington Post,
17 Feb. 2026
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Gene editing developments at Colossal have also led to advances in fighting chytrid fungus, which is killing amphibians including frogs and salamanders in Australia – a potential fresh water threat that could spread globally.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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These advancements aim to shield soldiers from injury and allow for life-saving therapeutic operations in environments contaminated by chemical or biological agents.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Feb. 2026
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Yeoh added that after Crazy Rich Asians, films like Marvel’s Shang-Chi and Everything Everywhere All at Once were released, reflecting wider advancements in the industry.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Breakthroughs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breakthroughs. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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