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
But alongside discussion of the hottest AI startups and new breakthroughs, Goldman Sachs had to set the record straight on one question.
—
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
Self-reflection leads to massive breakthroughs, and all on your own.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
The 2026 Grammy nominations are finally here, with some notable breakthroughs and reigning hot streaks from artists including Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Leon Thomas, Justin Bieber, Tyler, the Creator, SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and many more.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
One chases agility and research breakthroughs, the other aims for affordability and everyday utility.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2025
More breakthroughs, more yapping, and more music.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025
But if people are correct about big breakthroughs occurring in the near future, California can’t afford to miss out on the opportunity.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
University research and private-sector breakthroughs have shown that quantum computing is real.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025
These breakthroughs often reshape both behavior and relationships, turning frustration into understanding.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
Self-reflection leads to massive breakthroughs, and all on your own.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
The 2026 Grammy nominations are finally here, with some notable breakthroughs and reigning hot streaks from artists including Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Leon Thomas, Justin Bieber, Tyler, the Creator, SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and many more.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
One chases agility and research breakthroughs, the other aims for affordability and everyday utility.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2025
More breakthroughs, more yapping, and more music.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025
But if people are correct about big breakthroughs occurring in the near future, California can’t afford to miss out on the opportunity.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
University research and private-sector breakthroughs have shown that quantum computing is real.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025
These breakthroughs often reshape both behavior and relationships, turning frustration into understanding.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakthroughs
Noun
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Economic feasibility and future outlook While early studies suggest electric roads may be more economical than relying solely on large EV batteries, long-term feasibility depends on electricity prices, grid upgrade costs, and improvements in battery density.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
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The city approved a Phase 1 renovation plan shepherded by the La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club to replace walls and doors in the sleeping areas, along with other improvements.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Yet, even as photovoltaic technology advances, engineers continue to chase a balance between efficiency, stability, and cost.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Nov. 2025
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Understanding automation and working to create the conditions where workers can benefit from technical advances is an important task for the twenty-first century.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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Initial ground tests began in 2022, and flight trials are expected later in the decade, reflecting Seoul’s intent to field a regional deterrent amid North Korea’s missile advancements.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Breakthroughs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breakthroughs. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.
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