as in finds
to come upon after searching, study, or effort
I can detect just a hint of lemon in the soup
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 detects
It's equipped with Auto Source Switch+, which instantly detects when your console or PC powers on, while the CoreSync lighting projects your on-screen colors onto your walls for a total vibe shift.
—
Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 2 Apr. 2026
These prevent cars from starting if the device detects a blood alcohol content above a certain limit.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026
Network Rail, which owns and runs most of the UK’s railway infrastructure, stated that the system detects tiny changes in motion and rotation to continuously track movement.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026
When Blub swims in a particular direction, the camera detects the movement and sends the vehicle rolling that same way.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026
The device detects quick flashes in the atmosphere and is usually used to continuously map lightning strikes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
Yet standard neurological imaging, such as MRI scans, almost never detects abnormalities, and most physicians, who understand the symptoms’ basis in only the most rudimentary sense, can offer little useful counsel.
—Jacob Stern, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
If the vehicle detects that the driver is distracted or sleeping when the program is on, the vehicle will come to a complete stop and call emergency services.
—Morgan Korn, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
Even when a radar system detects the presence of something, the weak return signal can make precise identification difficult.
—Etiido Uko
march 14, New Atlas, 14 Mar. 2026
Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 2 Apr. 2026
These prevent cars from starting if the device detects a blood alcohol content above a certain limit.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026
Network Rail, which owns and runs most of the UK’s railway infrastructure, stated that the system detects tiny changes in motion and rotation to continuously track movement.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026
When Blub swims in a particular direction, the camera detects the movement and sends the vehicle rolling that same way.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026
The device detects quick flashes in the atmosphere and is usually used to continuously map lightning strikes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
Yet standard neurological imaging, such as MRI scans, almost never detects abnormalities, and most physicians, who understand the symptoms’ basis in only the most rudimentary sense, can offer little useful counsel.
—Jacob Stern, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
If the vehicle detects that the driver is distracted or sleeping when the program is on, the vehicle will come to a complete stop and call emergency services.
—Morgan Korn, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
Even when a radar system detects the presence of something, the weak return signal can make precise identification difficult.
—Etiido Uko
march 14, New Atlas, 14 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detects
Verb
-
Keep reading for more of our favorite charming finds below—all under $30.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
8 Apr. 2026
-
In Claude—a wayward young man whom everyone nonetheless finds promising—Louise sees a vessel for her remaining idealism.—
Brandy Jensen,
New Yorker,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But Mary, whose original name was Marama, soon discovers that his strange obsession with her culture is quite sinister.—
David Faris,
TheWeek,
3 Apr. 2026
-
In the days leading up to the wedding, however, Rachel discovers that her bloodline has been cursed.—
Sam Reed,
Glamour,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
At the top of the tree, they are transported to spectacular, fantastical lands, and through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learns to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Old dog learns new tricks UConn forward Alex Karaban, who played on the 2023 and ’24 champions, is attempting to become the first non-UCLA player to win three national championships.—
Sean Hammond,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The technology locates a dysfunctional region where the electrical wave repeatedly hits.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2026
-
When the user connects their smartphone, the app presents a 3D visualization on the phone screen that points out faults, locates problems, identifies the necessary tools to fix them, and provides step-by-step repair instructions.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Detects.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detects. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
