as in finds
to come upon after searching, study, or effort
I can detect just a hint of lemon in the soup
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Recent Examples of detects
Instead of analyzing every detail in a scene, the human brain quickly detects sudden motion or change and reacts first.
—
Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
Some people benefit from knowing their coronary artery calcium score, for example, which is produced by a low-dose CT scan that detects calcium buildup in the heart’s arteries.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 11 Feb. 2026
By the end of this year, advances in the P1-Sun’s communication software will allow the Ukrainian armed forces to position the units around the country, ready to launch from a distance whenever radar detects an incoming fleet of attack drones overhead.
—Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
An external receiver, potentially built into a wearable device, detects the signal from up to two feet away.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Jan. 2026
Carbon Monoxide Detector This four-in-one detector not only reads carbon monoxide on the road but also detects other combustible, explosive gases, like LPG (methane), propane, and natural gas.
—Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026
The newest telescope is the spectacular James Webb Space Telescope, which cost about US$10 billion and detects a portion of the infrared spectrum.
—Martin Elvis, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026
Human Intelligence also detects what data cannot measure, such as tone, tension, and discomfort.
—C200, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026
When the algorithm detects flooding, the device can alert emergency responders.
—Joanna Goodrich, IEEE Spectrum, 31 Dec. 2025
Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
Some people benefit from knowing their coronary artery calcium score, for example, which is produced by a low-dose CT scan that detects calcium buildup in the heart’s arteries.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 11 Feb. 2026
By the end of this year, advances in the P1-Sun’s communication software will allow the Ukrainian armed forces to position the units around the country, ready to launch from a distance whenever radar detects an incoming fleet of attack drones overhead.
—Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
An external receiver, potentially built into a wearable device, detects the signal from up to two feet away.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Jan. 2026
Carbon Monoxide Detector This four-in-one detector not only reads carbon monoxide on the road but also detects other combustible, explosive gases, like LPG (methane), propane, and natural gas.
—Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026
The newest telescope is the spectacular James Webb Space Telescope, which cost about US$10 billion and detects a portion of the infrared spectrum.
—Martin Elvis, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026
Human Intelligence also detects what data cannot measure, such as tone, tension, and discomfort.
—C200, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026
When the algorithm detects flooding, the device can alert emergency responders.
—Joanna Goodrich, IEEE Spectrum, 31 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detects
Verb
-
Her elegant collaboration was a reminder that the world has long created the kinds of crises that threaten our stability today, and a good artist finds a way to make work that shows us a way through it, even if the answer is as simple as making something beautiful.—
Rachel Tashjian,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The film invites viewers to experience the rhythm, drama, and intimacy of life at the edge of the world, revealing that in the coldest corners of the earth one finds the warmest people, brimming with wit, resilience, and generosity.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As other relatives arrive for the commemoration, Nour discovers a vital side of her family she’s never known, losing herself in dancing, eating, drinking, praying and other rituals over several long days and nights.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Feb. 2026
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In the movie, Cathy discovers her sexuality while watching two household staff members engage in BDSM with horse bridles.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Using a core of sensors and spatial intelligence, the robot sees the engine’s complexity and learns to navigate around obstacles that would stump a standard machine.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Feb. 2026
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The first is the showdown with Whitney on CNN after Eric learns he’s being blackmailed.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But Layton locates friction in other places, especially in Ruffalo’s what-else-but grizzled turn as a shaggy, Raymond Chandler-type police detective.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
11 Feb. 2026
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Beyond the credit card, The Moment locates most of its zany humor in the presence of a hacky, inexplicably successful director played by Alexander Skarsgard, hired by Rosanna Arquette’s blithe record executive to shoot the film version of Charli’s impending tour.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Detects.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detects. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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