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Synonym Chooser

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

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

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 discover That entrance was eventually discovered in Nueva Tijuana, a neighborhood only a few blocks from the U.S. border. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025 First discovered: 6:05 p.m. June 19 Initial location: Los Angeles County, Calif. Fire type: Wildfire Fire name: Baker A new wildfire was reported today at 6:05 p.m. in Los Angeles County, California. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2025 First discovered: 5:52 p.m. June 8 Initial location: Placer County, Calif. Fire type: Wildfire Fire name: Deerborne A new wildfire was reported today at 5:52 p.m. in Placer County. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2025 Overcoming the reticence at the heart of her shyness was like scaling a cliff only to discover another view of the real summit farther off. Jim Shepard, New Yorker, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for discover
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discover
Verb
  • This gap presents an important opportunity: Before realizing AI’s full potential, institutions must first build a foundation of trust, both internally and externally.
    Bruce Dahlgren, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • As paranoia rises, suspicions and secrets are forced into the light, and the locals start to realize there is a serial killer hidden amongst them.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • There, a tactical response team found a man lying dead with a weapon nearby, whom authorities believe was the shooter.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 1 July 2025
  • If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Steer clear of open fields, hilltops, or ridge tops.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • And even before pulling away, first impressions of the GTO versus the 2+2 revealed an entirely new ballgame.
    Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • The couple revealed that their first post-prison meals were from Pizza Hut and Zaxby's.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • The jail currently offers programs for inmates to learn construction or culinary skills.
    Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025
  • The idea for the monthly reviews felt like a natural progression from what Hearn has learned from his experience in the world of work.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to help Facebook locate your account and start the recovery process.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025
  • Bentley Residences will be located on Miami's Sunny Isles Beach.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Details about the shooting and the restraining order were not disclosed, citing the ongoing investigation.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • The China Central Television (CCTV) disclosed the full footage on Sunday showing how Chinese military dispatched two J-16 fighter jets to warn and expel a foreign aircraft for breaching China's territorial sea boundary.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • And club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen is first on the list of those the club would like to see leave before the end of the transfer window.
    Pol Ballús, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • Heathcote will next be seen in the third season of Paramount + series Tulsa King.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Descend beneath The Flat Iron Hotel to uncover the Red Ribbon Society.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
  • Every day we’re given a new theme and then tasked with uncovering all the words on the grid that fit that theme, including a spangram that spans two sides of the board.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discover.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discover. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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