as in sensor
a device that detects some physical quantity and responds usually with a transmitted signal
a motion detector to thwart burglaries
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of detector
More Than Just Cats Our cat detector network has many neurons and many inputs, but only one output.
—
Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
The air is also in motion, so from moment to moment, the starlight will pass through different parcels on its way to your eye or your detector, shifting position each time, usually randomly because of the air’s turbulent motion.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 15 May 2025
There are many challenges in creating a wearable heart attack detector.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 11 May 2025
In practice, this is measured by loop detectors embedded in the roadway.
—Laurie Winkless, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for detector
Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
The air is also in motion, so from moment to moment, the starlight will pass through different parcels on its way to your eye or your detector, shifting position each time, usually randomly because of the air’s turbulent motion.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 15 May 2025
There are many challenges in creating a wearable heart attack detector.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 11 May 2025
In practice, this is measured by loop detectors embedded in the roadway.
—Laurie Winkless, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for detector
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detector
sensor
Noun
-
The modern connected patient isn’t the one wearing the most sensors.—
Jeffrey Wessler,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
-
Today, many American drivers have access to standard technologies such as front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitors, lane-keeping assist, and even rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking — all designed to help prevent potential collisions while reversing.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Detector.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detector. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share