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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 Staying here feels like discovering an untouched paradise—one that forces you to slow down and listen. Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025 The observatory will also discover millions of new asteroids and comets, improving our understanding of the solar system and helping with planetary defense. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025 Leave behind New York’s stifling policies and discover a state where your ambition can soar. Mike Dunleavy, New York Daily News, 14 July 2025 First discovered: 6:26 p.m. June 30 Initial location: Siskiyou County, Calif. Fire type: Wildfire Fire name: Dutchman A new wildfire was reported today at 6:26 p.m. in Siskiyou County, California. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for discover
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discover
Verb
  • But a prolific collector of eagle memorabilia based in Wabasha realized recently that, while the United States had an official animal (the bison) and flower (the rose), the eagle was getting no formal credit.
    Giovanna Dell'orto, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
  • The memo also contains a link to about 11 hours of footage of Epstein in his cell released as proof of his suicide—which quickly faced more scrutiny after viewers realized about a minute of footage was missing.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • As a 17-year-old, Gena Sims found inspiration while taking care of her sister.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2025
  • Used in everything from firefighting foams and waterproof clothing to nonstick kitchenware, PFAS contaminants have found their way into the human body through water and food.
    Jay Kakade July 12, New Atlas, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • See the finds in Greece Off the coast of Greece, the Antikythera shipwreck continues to reveal its secrets, with recent excavations uncovering ancient sculptures and pottery.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
  • Rather than pick up where Man of Steel left off, this sequel rewinds to Superman’s battle with Zod, revealing that none other than Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) was caught up in the damage of the Kryptonian slugfest.
    Will Harris, EW.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Caitlin Clark learned some important things from two legends: Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • And did viewers learn the identity of the mystery houseguest?
    David Wysong, The Enquirer, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Among the victims were 27 children and counselors at Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' camp that sits along the Guadalupe River, located about 60 miles northwest of San Antonio.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 11 July 2025
  • Outraged, Gauguin located an obscure French law that proved only children within a four-kilometre radius of a school were bound to attend.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Her cause of death has not been disclosed at this time An ultra-runner has died after collapsing during a mountain race in Colorado.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 12 July 2025
  • Despite the risk, 14 states do not require that any information about flooding be disclosed to potential home buyers.
    Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • At Holland State Park, which is run by the state and hasn’t seen lifeguards in three decades, there’s talk among Park Township officials of implementing a lifeguard pilot program.
    Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 21 July 2025
  • Some spots of fire east of the freeway were seen, along with south of Lindbergh Hill, the team said.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • But Microsoft's deeper investigation uncovered a bigger problem.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
  • The changes address failures uncovered a year ago by the ProPublica/CBS News investigation.
    Cassandra Jaramillo, CBS News, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Discover.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discover. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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