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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 Researchers are discovering that your little one possesses a formidable skill set and, in some cases, can pull off astonishing feats. Leslie Garisto Pfaff, Parents, 15 May 2025 Authorities discovered the body of Dr. Shawn Frehner, 56, on April 18, near the Boulder Islands at Lake Mead, near Las Vegas, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, KSNV and KTNV, who cited a statement from the National Park Service. Becca Longmire, People.com, 15 May 2025 He was taken into custody on the three drug warrants as well as an unrelated warrant police discovered. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 15 May 2025 Even more recently, a Scottish man discovered a 4,000-year-old axe buried on his family farm. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for discover
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discover
Verb
  • This tells us that the moon was volcanically active for much longer than scientists had realized — perhaps as recently as 120 million years ago.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 14 May 2025
  • The Trump administration seems at long last to have realized that having a near-embargo in both directions between the world’s two largest economies isn’t such a great idea.
    The Editors, National Review, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Authorities said his car was found at the Mount Adams trailhead, while his remains were found on the Allen Mountain Trail.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Related Stories ‘Alien: Earth’, ‘The Bear’ Season 4 & ‘The Lowdown’ Get Premiere Dates At FX, Hulu & Disney+ 2025 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming Additionally, further details about what the show is about can be found below.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The list also reveals the male and female names that are the most popular: Olivia and Emma ranked No. 1 and No. 2 for girls, and Liam and Noah ranked No. 1 and No. 2 for boys.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • The government is expected to present up to four key witnesses who will testify against Combs, including his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, who will be among the first witnesses called as soon as Monday, prosecutors revealed last week.
    Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Money, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • In August 2023, the museum opened its Discovery Spot, a 5,000-square-foot exhibit specifically designed for children 6 and under to learn about Florida ecosystems, like the Everglades and ocean.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 12 May 2025
  • But project managers have learned that most of their funding was removed by a continuing congressional budget resolution earlier this spring and much of what remained is impounded by the White House budget office.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • The discovery occurred at Wawel Royal Castle, an art museum and one-time residence of Polish kings, located in the heart of Krakow.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 12 May 2025
  • Branford has had three or more breweries located there in the past.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • And that’s indeed already happening, probably in insidious ways that aren’t publicly disclosed.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 14 May 2025
  • His financial package was not disclosed, but the reduction is largely a symbolic move compared with the $2.5 billion dollars in federal funding that has been paused by President Trump.
    Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Southern Baptist churches lost more than a quarter-million members nationwide in 2024, the 18th straight year of decline, but saw baptism and attendance numbers rise.
    Frank E. Lockwood, Arkansas Online, 10 May 2025
  • Back to battle once again for their lives and a giant cash prize, the wordless preview sees contestants facing a series of high-stakes situations, involving guns, fists and an ominous giant gumball machine.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • Archaeologists have uncovered a tomb belonging to an ancient Egyptian prince concealed behind a massive false granite door in the Saqqara necropolis, south of Cairo.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
  • Archaeologists in Poland recently uncovered a centuries-old ring with enigmatic engravings.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discover.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discover. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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