Synonyms of discover

discover

verb

di-ˈskə-vər 

1

as in to realize

to come to an awareness of

I was startled to discover that my keys were missing

Synonyms & Similar Words

• realize
• learn
• see
• hear
• find
• ascertain
• find out
• get on (to)
• detect
• wise (up)
• catch on (to)
• get wind of
• encounter
• perceive
• hit (on or upon)
• spot
• figure out
• discern
• observe
• calculate
• espy
• tumble (to)
• descry
• divine
• note
• puzzle (out)
• mind
• dope (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• miss
• overlook
• ignore
• forget
• disregard
• hide
• conceal
• cover
• unlearn
• curtain
• veil
• mask
• screen
• cloak
• blot out
• occult
• enshroud
• blanket
• shroud

2

as in to find

to come upon after searching, study, or effort

we hope to discover the real reason for his odd behavior

Synonyms & Similar Words

• find
• learn
• locate
• get
• ascertain
• determine
• detect
• find out
• track (down)
• run down
• turn up
• hit (on or upon)
• dig out
• hunt (down or up)
• dig up
• scout (up)
• dredge (up)
• rummage
• descry
• rout (out)
• ferret (out)
• root (out)
• seek
• sight
• scare up
• spot
• nose out
• look for
• espy
• search (for or out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• miss
• overlook
• pass over
• lose
• misplace
• mislay
• misset

3

as in to reveal

to make known (as information previously kept secret)

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reveal
• disclose
• uncover
• tell
• expose
• share
• announce
• divulge
• unveil
• spill
• unmask
• bare
• bring to light
• let on (about)
• leak
• publish
• confide
• go public (with)
• unbosom
• uncloak
• proclaim
• spill the beans (about)
• inform
• advertise
• declare
• let the cat out of the bag (about)
• confess
• unearth
• acknowledge
• promulgate
• post
• publicize
• debunk
• betray
• relate
• impart
• show up
• communicate
• admit
• talk
• bring out
• own
• broadcast
• concede
• blab
• unclothe
• give away
• sound
• blaze
• avow
• undrape
• smoke out
• squeal
• disinter
• placard
• rake up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hide
• conceal
• cover (up)
• mask
• veil
• disguise
• cloak
• camouflage
• shroud
• enshroud
• obscure
• gloss (over)
• whitewash
• varnish
• gild
• shade
• overshadow
• eclipse
• darken
• overcast
• becloud
• cloud
• befog
• bedim

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

Recent Examples of discover

What Scientists Knew—Until Now In 1971, neuroscientist John O'Keefe discovered a remarkable type of neuron in the hippocampus of rats—later known as place cells. —Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026

Keep reading to discover the serums worth putting on your radar—and your shelf. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 24 Jan. 2026

The staircase had been ordered closed on an emergency basis starting in April 2025 after inspectors discovered significant structural issues. —Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026

Inside, archaeologists discovered fragments of female figurines and two terracotta cattle. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 24 Jan. 2026