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
This development could pave the way for super-precise thermometers and chemical detectors that work at a microscopic level.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026
The detectors were right outside the event hall and where the bathrooms for the event were located, and the assailant was taken to the ground about 10 to 15 feet beyond them, attendees said.
—Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
Think of it like a smoke detector for molecular clouds; where there's CO, there's likely H2 ready to collapse and form stars.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2026
All short-term rentals would be required to meet applicable building, fire, and health codes, including working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and safe structural components.
—Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for detector
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026
The detectors were right outside the event hall and where the bathrooms for the event were located, and the assailant was taken to the ground about 10 to 15 feet beyond them, attendees said.
—Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
Think of it like a smoke detector for molecular clouds; where there's CO, there's likely H2 ready to collapse and form stars.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2026
All short-term rentals would be required to meet applicable building, fire, and health codes, including working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and safe structural components.
—Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for detector
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detector
sensor
Noun
-
However, the system depends on reliable communication and sensor networks.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
6 May 2026
-
Scaringe also told the news organization that Rivian was considering making its own lidar sensors, in collaboration with a Chinese company.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Detector.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detector. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
