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
With the identification of the bottom quark in 1977 and the top quark in 1995, the scientific breakthroughs helped prove the foundational architecture of the universe and verified the standard model of particle physics.
—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2026
Her parents tried many things to build her up, and one of the first breakthroughs came in an unlikely place.
—
Latif Love
june 26,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2026
Some breakthroughs have been unexpected.
—
Claudio Lavanga,
NBC news,
26 June 2026
For example, if artificial intelligence turns out to be an expensive and energy-intensive technology incapable of delivering meaningful breakthroughs or cost savings, a company that spent billions on specialized data centers could be forced to reduce—or write down—the value of those assets.
—
Colin Dodds,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
26 June 2026
This is not simply about advanced mathematics or theoretical computing breakthroughs.
—
Kumar Mehta,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
Drugmakers have found promising new options for one of the most aggressive and hardest-to-treat forms of breast cancer after decades with few breakthroughs, The Wall Street Journal says.
—
Ed Silverman,
STAT,
25 June 2026
From wellness breakthroughs to bold approaches that transform how Americans live.
—
Mike Stunson,
USA Today,
25 June 2026
The country wants breakthroughs by 2027 and a globally competitive brain-computer interface industry by 2030.
—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2026
Her parents tried many things to build her up, and one of the first breakthroughs came in an unlikely place.
—
Latif Love
june 26,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2026
Some breakthroughs have been unexpected.
—
Claudio Lavanga,
NBC news,
26 June 2026
For example, if artificial intelligence turns out to be an expensive and energy-intensive technology incapable of delivering meaningful breakthroughs or cost savings, a company that spent billions on specialized data centers could be forced to reduce—or write down—the value of those assets.
—
Colin Dodds,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
26 June 2026
This is not simply about advanced mathematics or theoretical computing breakthroughs.
—
Kumar Mehta,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
Drugmakers have found promising new options for one of the most aggressive and hardest-to-treat forms of breast cancer after decades with few breakthroughs, The Wall Street Journal says.
—
Ed Silverman,
STAT,
25 June 2026
From wellness breakthroughs to bold approaches that transform how Americans live.
—
Mike Stunson,
USA Today,
25 June 2026
The country wants breakthroughs by 2027 and a globally competitive brain-computer interface industry by 2030.
—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakthroughs
Noun
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The adjacent riverfront area has seen astonishing growth and improvements, with a two-mile-long stretch of pedestrian paths, parks and other green space, and an event pavilion.
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Over 1,000 homes also have had backwater valves installed to prevent public sewer water backing up into homes during high-flow conditions, and almost 500 homes received sewer infrastructure improvements at no-cost to the homeowners, according to the MDC.
Noun
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Successes against Russia boost Ukrainian morale On the front line in eastern Ukraine, where Russia’s war of attrition has made slow and costly advances since Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has deployed cutting-edge drone technology to keep the enemy pinned down.
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These include advances in cancer prevention, screening and treatment.
Noun
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Still, the experts say, the result of the laws has been significant advancements in knowledge and perception of the Tequesta and their predecessors, and the preservation of at least a portion of some significant sites.
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The author contrasts the unifying spirit of the 1976 Bicentennial with today's pervasive division, despite significant advancements in rights for women, minorities, and the disabled.
Cite this Entry
“Breakthroughs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breakthroughs. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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