discovery

noun

di-ˈskə-v(ə-)rē How to pronounce discovery (audio)
Definition of discoverynext
1
as in finding
the act or process of sighting or learning the existence of something for the first time the discovery of a new species of starfish

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in find
something discovered his many zoological discoveries include several species of birds

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 discovery Before the discovery of the body on Friday, Ciftci told reporters in Sariyer’s Ayazaga neighborhood that four people remained missing. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 These ancient systems are silent observers of history, capturing thousands of years’ worth of stories in depths of peat that patiently await discovery. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026 To be a scientist or engineer to make discoveries and solve problems. — Kiryn Hoffman, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 AmfAR is dedicated to advancing scientific discovery and transforming global health with a primary and enduring commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for discovery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discovery
  1. finding
  2. find
  3. detection
  4. exploration
  5. awareness
Noun
  • The findings raise the possibility of developing treatments that expand a patient’s gamma delta T cells outside the body before returning them to fight the cancer.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Shea’s supervisor confronted her when Shea’s findings in a cold case could not be replicated.
    — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of finding
Noun
  • Though the hoard was discovered last year, officials only recently announced the find, calling it the largest coin hoard from the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian ever found in Germany.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Insider tip Such a great find for those looking for an alternative to Airbnb.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of find
Noun
  • The higher detection frequency is a technical capability, not evidence that the system detects cracks five times earlier or more accurately.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Methanol masers have previously been detected in planet-forming disks around turbulent high-mass protostars, but COMPASS’ observations are the first detection of them around calmer lower-mass protostars.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of detection
Noun
  • With all the characters in the show, but with Margaret in particular, there’s this exploration of losing control, taking control and relinquishing control.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Below the falls are limestone caves ripe for exploration, and hiking trails take visitors by the Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery, one of the largest trout-production hatcheries in Colorado.
    — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of exploration
Noun
  • The overt awareness of a ticking clock allows the smallest details to rise to the top.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Morales, who has spoken publicly about her family’s experience with Alzheimer’s disease and the importance of awareness, joins a lineup of leading experts, advocates and innovators for the one-day event.
    — THR Staff, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of awareness

Browse Nearby Words

discovers
discovery
discredit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Discovery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discovery. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on discovery

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about discovery

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