as in discoveries
the act or process of sighting or learning the existence of something for the first time
my detection of the scent of baked apple pie led me to the kitchen
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Recent Examples of detections
The sensitivity of the gravitational wave detectors has only increased in recent years, with detections currently occurring as frequently as three to four times each week during observational run phases between down periods that allow further advancement of sensitivity.
—
Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 June 2026
With more frequent and geographically diverse sampling, as well as testing for a wider variety of PFAS, detections would almost certainly rise.
—Noe Padilla, USA Today, 29 May 2026
The first hours of testing produced an immediate flood of detections.
—Annika Hammerschlag, Fortune, 20 May 2026
Sharktivity provides information and push notifications on white shark sightings, detections, and movements to raise awareness and help people and sharks co-exist.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 13 May 2026
Increasingly powerful telescopes have since launched the field forward with more detections—now more than 6,000 in total.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 11 May 2026
These detections are exciting, but most scientists exercise caution to avoid jumping to conclusions because those molecules generally can exist outside of living things.
—Olivia Harper Wilkins, The Conversation, 27 Apr. 2026
Sri Lankan authorities have also made several detections of large hauls of heroin and other narcotics smuggled in via small fishing boats in recent years.
—CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Researchers also noted that antivirus engines initially showed zero detections for key parts of the attack.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 June 2026
With more frequent and geographically diverse sampling, as well as testing for a wider variety of PFAS, detections would almost certainly rise.
—Noe Padilla, USA Today, 29 May 2026
The first hours of testing produced an immediate flood of detections.
—Annika Hammerschlag, Fortune, 20 May 2026
Sharktivity provides information and push notifications on white shark sightings, detections, and movements to raise awareness and help people and sharks co-exist.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 13 May 2026
Increasingly powerful telescopes have since launched the field forward with more detections—now more than 6,000 in total.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 11 May 2026
These detections are exciting, but most scientists exercise caution to avoid jumping to conclusions because those molecules generally can exist outside of living things.
—Olivia Harper Wilkins, The Conversation, 27 Apr. 2026
Sri Lankan authorities have also made several detections of large hauls of heroin and other narcotics smuggled in via small fishing boats in recent years.
—CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Researchers also noted that antivirus engines initially showed zero detections for key parts of the attack.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detections
Noun
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One argument in favor is that since autonomous AI tools accelerate discoveries that improve human health, adoption is acceptable and needed.—
Mohammad Hosseini,
Chicago Tribune,
4 June 2026
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According to the team, a breakthrough like this shows how important discoveries are still being made from museum collections.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
4 June 2026
Noun
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On the other side, De la Espriella has promised to fiercely crack down on criminal groups and build 10 megaprisons, following in a similar vein as El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, in his war on gangs, which has been beset by abuses, according to findings by human rights groups.—
Megan Janetsky,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
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Our findings raise concern about the reliability of the journal for informing health policy.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Detections.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detections. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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