Thesaurus

discover

Q: How does the verb 'discover' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of discover are ascertain , determine , learn , and unearth . While all these words mean "to find out what one did not previously know," discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter. // discovered the source of the river

Q: When is 'ascertain' a more appropriate choice than 'discover'?

The synonyms ascertain and discover are sometimes interchangeable, but ascertain implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty. // attempts to ascertain the population of the region

Q: When is it sensible to use 'determine' instead of 'discover'?

While the synonyms determine and discover are close in meaning, determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely. // unable to determine the origin of the word

Q: When might 'learn' be a better fit than 'discover'?

The words learn and discover are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, learn may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told) or it may imply study and practice. // I learned her name only today // learning Greek

Q: In what contexts can 'unearth' take the place of 'discover'?

Although the words unearth and discover have much in common, unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden. // unearth old records

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of discover

1 to come to an awareness of

I was startled to discover that my keys were missing

Synonyms for discover

Words Related to discover

divine

Phrases Synonymous with discover

get wind of

Near Antonyms for discover

2 to come upon after searching, study, or effort

we hope to discover the real reason for his odd behavior

Synonyms for discover

Words Related to discover

Near Antonyms for discover

Antonyms for discover

3 to make known (as information previously kept secret)

discovered to his friend how people whom he had trusted had betrayed him

Synonyms for discover

Words Related to discover

Phrases Synonymous with discover

Near Antonyms for discover

Antonyms for discover

Frequently Asked Questions About discover

How does the verb discover contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of discover are ascertain, determine, learn, and unearth. While all these words mean "to find out what one did not previously know," discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter.

discovered the source of the river

When is ascertain a more appropriate choice than discover?

The synonyms ascertain and discover are sometimes interchangeable, but ascertain implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty.

attempts to ascertain the population of the region

When is it sensible to use determine instead of discover?

While the synonyms determine and discover are close in meaning, determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely.

unable to determine the origin of the word

When might learn be a better fit than discover?

The words learn and discover are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, learn may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told) or it may imply study and practice.

I learned her name only today

learning Greek