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
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
The laboratory measurements are done precisely so that astronomers can be confident in their detections.
—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
Not all 87 candidates are expected to be confirmed, however, as some detections have lower confidence due to background contamination from unrelated stars, the researchers say.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Rivkin and de Wit’s Webb observations were among the faintest ever made of an asteroid, according to NASA and the European Space Agency — and the detections weren’t easy to come by given the narrow window of time to capture them.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
There have been four detections of bird flu in poultry flocks in Wisconsin so far in 2026, according to the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
—Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026
In areas with a higher number of HPAI detections, such as Amarillo and Lubbock, the department discourages the public from feeding wildlife, including using bird feeders.
—Faith Bugenhagen, Austin American Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 11 May 2026
The laboratory measurements are done precisely so that astronomers can be confident in their detections.
—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
Not all 87 candidates are expected to be confirmed, however, as some detections have lower confidence due to background contamination from unrelated stars, the researchers say.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 5 Apr. 2026
Rivkin and de Wit’s Webb observations were among the faintest ever made of an asteroid, according to NASA and the European Space Agency — and the detections weren’t easy to come by given the narrow window of time to capture them.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
There have been four detections of bird flu in poultry flocks in Wisconsin so far in 2026, according to the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
—Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026
In areas with a higher number of HPAI detections, such as Amarillo and Lubbock, the department discourages the public from feeding wildlife, including using bird feeders.
—Faith Bugenhagen, Austin American Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detections
Noun
-
Wedel is excited to see more fossil discoveries from Thailand.—
James Doubek,
NPR,
14 May 2026
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Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Jessica Mack, a health and wellness expert and founder of The Functional Consulting Group who was not involved in the study, said the findings reflect a growing understanding that health is influenced by more than exercise and nutrition alone.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
17 May 2026
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Others were placed under house arrest, harassed or subject to extensive surveillance, or had their passports confiscated, according to prior NPR reporting and the findings of the United Nations and rights groups.—
Emily Feng,
NPR,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Detections.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detections. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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